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

11 May 2013

What Does Fat Mean to You?

“Mommy, am I fat?”.  This is a question that has plagued my mind from even before my daughter could speak.  While she hasn’t asked me yet, I’ve worried about the day she might and wonder how I would respond.  She’s not quite 6 but, as research tells us, it would not be that surprising for kids as young as that to ask that question.

child-on-scale

40 – 50% of children ages 6 – 12 are dissatisfied with some aspect of their body’s shape and/or size ~ Body Image, 2nd edition, Cash & Smolak

Having worked through my own body image issues and an eating disorder, I don’t want either of my children to have the same concerns and fears that I had.  I hope their body confidence is strong enough to not let their size, shape or unique features be a source of anxiety or hatred.  But should either of them ask me THE question, what would I say???

Well, this past week I attended the NEDIC Beyond Images Conference in Toronto, where self-esteem, body image, media literacy and other eating disorder related topics were on the agenda.  The closing keynote presentation came from singer-songwriter, author and speaker, Jenni Schaefer.  Her talk was titled “Almost Anorexic” Does Everyone Have an Eating Disorder and was based on her latest book that comes out this summer.  She spoke candidly about her own ED experience and how the “Am I Fat?” question was something she remembers asking from as early as age 4.

When that question comes up our go-to response might be to reassure the child with love, hugs and perhaps with a “No Sweetie.  You’re beautiful”.  But what Schaefer suggests is taking the opportunity to dig a little deeper, starting a conversation with our daughters and sons with a follow-up question instead:

What does fat mean to you?

Hmmm, think about the possibilities with that one! That open-ended question has the potential to bring about further questioning, greater dialogue and amazing lessons for our children.  Imagine, with that one question, what they could learn about:

  • Media Literacy: where we get our messages about fat versus thin and how those messages do not accurately represent real life
  • Body Diversity: that people come in different shapes and sizes, there is no “perfect” size but rather a size that is predetermined primarily by genetics and a healthy, balanced approach to one’s lifestyle
  • Size Acceptance: don’t judge a book by its cover; everyone is beautiful; there should be love and respect for one’s own body as well as for others

So, if either of my children ask me the “Am I Fat?” question I’ll be better equipped to lovingly help them along the journey of positive self-esteem and body image as their bodies grow and change.  Instead of sweeping in and reassuring them with a “No, you’re not” response, I’ll be able to assist them in questioning society’s expectations and advocating for a change in mindset.

Filed Under: Body Image & Self Esteem

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 ·