First, let me say that I am a firm believer that it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children how to lead a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to make all of our meals from scratch (note: I say goal...we're still working on this one) and my son and I spend a lot of time outdoors playing and hiking and swimming. I also believe that the best way to teach them is to encourage them to do the right thing, not shame them.
Well, at Ikea this morning this little 10ish year old girl bought a frozen yogurt cone (not ice cream!) and came back to wait in line with her dad.
He says: "you got an ice cream? you are going to have to go for an extra run today. You know, I'm starting to see a roll on your stomach. And your brother, he's a hog. look at him getting so fat."
The little girl was crushed! Watching her eat that frozen yogurt with tears in her eyes was one of the saddest things I have seen in a long time.
I had to just get this off my chest. I'm somewhat ashamed that I didn't say anything to the dad. I'm not a very confrontational person but I really wish I was in this situation. I think all young girls have self esteem issues with their looks around that age and he is not doing her any favors.
Maybe he could buy some pots and do some gardening with his daughter. That would teach her fun ways to get a little exercise. Breaking up rock hard dirt with a hoe is hard work:)
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2 comments:
I have tears in my eyes just reading about it. How can a father be so mean. That poor little girl must be spoken to like that by him a fair bit if he didn't care who heard him say it. Hopefully karma comes back and bites him in the bum!!!
Heartbreaking. I know what you mean about regretting not speaking to the father. It's hard to know what to say and how to say it so it will be heard in a situation like that.
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