Allison Kimmey, a 30-year-old mother of two, recently shared a powerful lesson about body image after her daughter called her “fat” during a family swimming trip.
Allison, who has been open about her struggles with body image and dieting since she was 14, used the moment to teach her children about the concept of body fat.
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Allison explained to her children that everyone has body fat, which protects our bones and muscles and provides energy. She emphasized that having fat does not define one’s worth and that everyone’s body is different.
Her thoughtful explanation resonated with her children, as well as with thousands online after she shared the story on her Instagram account, @allisonkimmey.
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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!”
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In her post, Allison wrote about the importance of not shaming her children for their words, but rather using it as a teaching moment to eliminate the stigma around the word “fat” and promote body positivity.
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Allison’s message went viral, inspiring many to encourage body positivity and equality rather than judgment based on physical appearance. Her story is a reminder of the impact of words and the importance of teaching children about respect and acceptance for all body types.
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