Define Me Wellness

Personal Training | Durham Region's Personal Training Destination

  • About
    • Michelle Pitman, BSW, RSW, Yoga Instructor (she/her)
    • Tara Green, Yoga and Pilates Instructor (she/her)
    • The Define Me Approach
  • Services
    • Counselling
    • Movement Supplies
    • Reiki
    • Virtual Mindset & Movement Studio
    • Workplace Wellness
  • Articles
  • Contact Us

06 Apr 2015

Amanda’s Big Dream: A Book Review

A new children’s book recently launched that I had the opportunity to preview and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you all. (SPOILER ALERT: this is a glowing review).

Amanda’s Big Dream, written by Judith Matz and illustrated by Elizabeth Patch, tells the story of a young figure skater, Amanda, whose dream is to perform a solo act in her community’s Spring Ice Show.  But Amanda’s well-intentioned, though misguided coach suggests that, if Amanda wants to get the part, she needs to lose weight if she is going to be successful.

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common for many children – thin or fat, in the athletic arena or elsewhere.  For example, body image related bullying (which includes bullying based on one’s size), is the most predominant form of bullying, as found in a 2006 Census report by the Toronto District School Board.  And, with the help of mainstream media, young children are exposed frequently to stigmatizing messages about weight and size, including the assumption that thinner is better with regards to health and even sports performance.  The familiar message of you can do and be anything you want with “practice, practice, practice” comes with the caveat of needing to fit into a certain aesthetic – the thin ideal.

Amanda’s Big Dream highlights how harmful talk regarding dieting and weight loss can be.  With a short, simple statement like “…if you lost a little weight…” a child’s dreams and sense of accomplishment can be swiftly crushed.

“Follow your dreams, whoever you are.  Follow your dreams and they’ll take you far.”

However, this sweet story also offers a well-guided lesson for us all, parents and children alike.  A compassionate doctor and supportive parents switch the focus to the positive healthy behaviours Amanda already engages in and encourage her to stay with her sport because she loves it so much.

Does Amanda continue anyway in the face of criticism? Does she go on to get the solo performance in the Spring Ice Show? For those answers, you’ll have to read the book 😉

But I will say that it is so refreshing to see a more positive alternative, that touches on the Health At Every Size® principles in a relatable way and guides readers towards a more holistic view on living life and going after your dreams.   Plus, there are great resources shared at the end of the book and on this website.

Having children ages 5 and 7 that participate in sport, I see the critical importance of cultivating a positive body image and detaching the value placed on an ideal size or shape for success in sports and/or overall health.  Amanda’s Big Dream is a great starting point for opening up that dialogue with children and our communities.

Filed Under: Body Image & Self Esteem, Kids Wellness Tagged With: Amanda's Big Dream, body image, body positive, Book Review, HAES, Health at Every Size, joyful movement, weight stigma

You may also be interested in:

  • Another Set of Yoga & Pilates Classes Begin @ The Define Me Virtual Studio
  • Simply Restorative Series Returns January 2021
  • *New Class Alert* Pilates-Restore Coming January 2021
  • 44 Ways to Practice Self-Compassion
  • World Eating Disorders Action Day is Here! June 2nd, 2019

Tags

anorexia BED binge eating disorder body acceptance body image bodymind body positive bulimia chronic illness chronic pain corporate wellness diet eating disorders eating disorders in Canada EDAW2017 EDNOS ED recovery embodiment guided relaxation HAES Health at Every Size healthy workplace holistic health interoception joyful movement lifestyle changes mental health mindbody mindfulness reiki restorative movement restorative yoga self-awareness self-care self-compassion self-massage self esteem stress stress management weight neutral weight stigma well-being workplace wellness yoga yoga nidra

About Michelle Pitman

Head Wellness Coach, Michelle Pitman, is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner, who believes that EVERYONE should feel good from the inside out. With over 15 years experience Michelle has coached and inspired others to realize their goals.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Soundcloud

Search

Latest Articles

  • Another Set of Yoga & Pilates Classes Begin @ The Define Me Virtual Studio
  • Simply Restorative Series Returns January 2021
  • *New Class Alert* Pilates-Restore Coming January 2021
  • 44 Ways to Practice Self-Compassion
  • World Eating Disorders Action Day is Here! June 2nd, 2019

Copyright © 2023 · Define Me Wellness · Proudly built by RegoCreative ·