A mother clapped back after her daughter called her fat post-swim, and the internet is loving her response.
Being labeled “fat” is a deeply offensive insult. But why is that?
After Allison, a mother of two, shared her story about a recent swimming trip with her children, everyone became curious about the true events that took place.
When her 30-year-old daughter called her obese, Allison responded brilliantly, and her reply is now going viral on the internet.
Allison Kimmey started dieting at the age of 14. Throughout graduate school, she managed to keep her weight within the size two to four range, but it was tough and left her feeling unfulfilled. Three years ago, at 27, when Allison reached size eight, she realized she would be much happier if she stopped battling her weight gain.
To motivate herself, Allison created the @allisonkimmey Instagram account, where she shares photos and quotes. While her acceptance of her body uplifts and inspires her followers, not everyone receives her important message.
Recently, Allison took her daughter and son to the pool. When it was time to leave, her child yelled at her and called her fat. According to Allison’s Instagram post:
Me: “What did you say about me?”
Her: “I said you were fat, mama. I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. The truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not something you can BE. But I do HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It protects our muscles and our bones and keeps our bodies going by providing us energy. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! So do I and so does your brother!”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
Her brother: “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
Me: “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have very much. But that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “So can you repeat what I said?”
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t be just fat, but everyone HAS fat and it’s okay to have different fat.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Allison not only aimed to teach her children how to communicate respectfully but also wanted to emphasize that everyone is equal regardless of body shape. Now, her Instagram post has gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it then I am proving that it is an insulting word and I continue the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical and undesirable,” writes Allison.
What an inspiring woman! We need to do a better job of encouraging each other instead of judging based on appearance. Share if you agree!
