So Kaitlyn, age 6, walks up to me the other day while I am sitting down and pinching a fat roll in my stomach. She looks up and says, "mom, when are you going back on your diet?" I look at her curiously.... "I'm not sure, why?" (First mistake do not ask why) "Well mom, because you are getting fat!" Silence.... complete silence. I have always taught my kids to be honest, but apparently it is time for this lesson Honesty especially brutal honesty is not always best. Sometimes biting your tongue is a better option. I look at her stunned, and after regaining my composure say "honey, we don't call people fat." Let's just say I didn't get the response I was looking for "Well I was just being honest."
At this point it seemed there was only one things left to say.... "Well honey, I appreciate your honesty." Then I slowly slither away. Any suggestions on how to teach this lesson?? And how do 6 year olds already worry about weight? Now every time I sit down to eat she says "Mom, how many calories are in that??" My response "none of your business."
In my defense stress and weight loss don't mix. (my excuse of the day ;)
I think if you worry about it then they pick up on that. It is hard to teach them honesty, because just because we should be honest doesn't mean that we need to be honest out loud. I know when I talked to much about calories this and calories that then my girls picked up on that because I am the woman that they look to for an example. Now I just talk about healthier eating. Hope this helps.
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