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Weight issues, language used in early childhood

1 reply

Raychill · 06/04/2009 16:56

My OH is always calling DD 'chubby''chunky' and other 'cute' works for fat, says 'big bum' etc to her. He is being kind and loving but constantly showers her in what I would call negative body judgements. In contrast as a term of abuse he will call someone 'fat'. One day DD will realise that chubby & fat have very similar meanings.

I think he is sending a conflicting message to a young baby who worships him and soaks up every word. I'm aware that young girls these days even struggle with weight issues and anorexia and bullemia strike younger and younger.

I would prefer that OH didn't use language like this with DD - he needs to stick to more body neutral language to express himself, but he thinks I'm picking on him and not letting him be himself.

As a teenager and an adult I have struggled with my own weight. I remember vividly my Mum saying I had a fat bum aged 13. I didn't at all - I had a gorgeous figure, but I soon piled on the weight & became the fat person she saw in me.

I really don't want DD to be plagued with any unnecessary body issues or pressure to look one way or another - she will get plenty of messages from the media without them having to originate within her family. And I feel that OH needs to just modify his language a little.

Am I being bonkers? Is anyone else concerned about this kind of language in the home?

OP posts:
ShannaraTiger · 06/04/2009 17:05

I understand exactly what you mean. I try and not make negative comments about m yweight in front of dc's but I know I do and Dd 5 is allready picking up on it.
The healthy eating messages also worry me sometimes as they can very easily be mis interprted. I keep havign to tell Dd that you cannot actualy live on only fruit and veg even though they are healthy.
It can be difficult discussing these issues with men though, or maybe it's just my dp.

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