Her daughter called her 'fat' after they went swimming - now her response is spreading like wildfire
|
Calling someone "fat" is often intended as an insult. But why, exactly, is that?
That was the question many people began asking after a mother of two named Allison shared her story about what happened after she went swimming with her children. When the 30-year-old mom was called “fat,” Allison had a brilliant response—and now her message is spreading across the internet like wildfire.
Choosing Happiness Over a Dress Size
When Allison Kimmey was just 14 years old, she started dieting. She managed to maintain a size 32–34 throughout college, but it was difficult, exhausting, and left her unhappy. Then, three years ago, at the age of 27, Allison reached a size 38 and realized something important: she would be far happier if she allowed herself to stop fighting her body.
To motivate herself, Allison opened an Instagram account called @allisonkimmey, where she shares photos and messages of inspiration. Her body positivity spreads joy and encouragement among her followers, but her most important message doesn’t always reach everyone.
The Poolside Confrontation
Not long ago, Allison went to the swimming pool with her son and daughter. When it was time to go home, her daughter became upset and called her “fat.” Allison later described the moment on Instagram:
Me: "What did you say about me?"
Her: "I said you're fat, Mommy. I'm sorry."
Me: "Let’s talk about it. The truth is, I am not fat. No one is fat. It isn't something you are. But I do have fat. We all have fat. It protects our muscles and bones and ensures our bodies don't run out of energy. Do you have fat?"
Her: "Yes! I have some fat here on my tummy."
Me: "Exactly! So do I, and so does your brother."
Her brother: "I don't have fat. I'm the thinnest. I only have muscles."
Me: "Actually, everyone—every single person in the world—has fat. But we all have different amounts."
Her brother: "Oh, right! I have some fat to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me."
Me: "Right, you're correct. Some people have a lot of fat, and others have less. But that doesn't mean one person is better than the other. Do you understand?"
Both: "Yes, Mommy."
Me: "So can you repeat what I said?"
Them: "Yes! We shouldn't say someone is fat because you can't be fat. Everyone has fat and it's okay to have different amounts."
Me: "Exactly!"
Breaking the Stigma
Allison didn’t just want to teach her children how to speak kindly to others—she also believed it was important to spread the message that everyone is equal, regardless of body shape or size. Her Instagram post quickly went viral.
“If I get angry at my kids for saying that word, I’m actually proving that it’s an insult—and I’m reinforcing the stigma that being fat means being unworthy, disgusting, or undesirable,” Allison wrote.
What an inspiring woman! We should all strive to encourage one another instead of judging based on appearance.
