Reply to My MIL just told my 9-year old that she was going to turn into a "fatty" if she ate whipped cream...

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Reply to "My MIL just told my 9-year old that she was going to turn into a "fatty" if she ate whipped cream..."

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]As someone who suffered from a serious eating disorder for more than 15 years, I would be LIVID if someone made a similar comment to my child. Telling a child they are going to turn into a fatty if they use whipped cream does not come from a place of caring. It is not sound diet or health advice. That comment was loaded with guilt, shame and fear and it is unacceptable to foist that on a young girl. [/quote]

I totally agree. Sorry you had to go through an eating disorder.[/quote]

Right, people don't realize the effects comments such as these can have. Sometimes older people who make these comments have disordered thoughts about eating themselves but don't realize it.

Good for you for for overcoming your eating disorder and speaking up to help others!

[/quote]
The cause of disordered eating in most cases can be laid squarely on the shoulders of parents who don't teach their children healthy eating habits when they are a lot younger. Placing the blame on an older person who sees the kid occasionally is just an attempt to shift responsibility.
Go to other parts of the world where people eat moderately, exercise and don't indulge in sheer gluttony and you will see they are usually not overweight. Now this is not because an older person there will not make a similar comment.
Take responsibility for your actions rather than ascribe it to others who may have minimal involvement with your children.[/quote]

Eating disorders have lots of causes, and while one comment standing by itself will not be the cause of a disorder, comments like this on an ongoing basis create an unhealthy atmosphere surrounding the child. Statements that certain foods are "bad" and warnings to avoid becoming a "fatty" do not contribute to healthy attitudes toward food and fitness. Vulnerability to eating disorders seems to run in families, so I would watch out for that also.

Eating disorders are nothing to laugh about. They can kill. Looks are way less important than good health.
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