I belong to an organization called the Association for Size & Health Diversity.
I applaud their efforts that promote positive, healthful choices for all people, regardless of size, age or differing abilities.
The Health At Every Size® (HAESSM) approach is an alternative to the
weight/size-based paradigm upon which much current public health policy is based.The Health At Every Size principles are:
• Accepting and respecting the diversity of body shapes and sizes.
• Recognizing that health and well-being are multi-dimensional and that they
include physical, social, spiritual, occupational, emotional, and intellectual aspects.• Promoting all aspects of health and well-being for people of all sizes.
• Promoting eating in a manner which balances individual nutritional needs, hunger,
satiety, appetite, and pleasure.• Promoting individually appropriate, enjoyable, life-enhancing physical activity, rather
than exercise that is focused on a goal of weight loss.
I’m guessing that nearly all of my readers are aware of government programs that are concerned with “fighting the obesity epidemic”, especially among children.
I think it’s great to encourage fun physical activity
and a less sedentary lifestyle,
to provide more nutritious school meals and safe public playgrounds,
and to make sure that affordable produce and non-processed foods are available in all neighborhoods.
All of these things make for a healthier, happier life, no matter what size you are!
But it’s very troubling when negative images of fat people, especially children,
are used as “motivational examples” or for “shock value” to encourage people to make changes.
In my 20+ years experience as a teacher (and mother)
I’ve never known shame or blame to be a positive way to encourage anyone, especially someone who may already feel like a misfit.
Instead, children who are singled out as different or somehow less worthy
tend to withdraw even more,
participate even less,
accept victimization from other children,
develop eating disorders.
“Hey fattie, you should be on a poster!” is heart-breaking to even think about,
and even more heart-breaking to experience.
I have been working with a therapist on a children’s book about a little girl who almost gives up her dream ,
because of a “well-meaning” comment about her weight by a coach and some teasing by other children.
With supportive parents and a doctor who encourages her to continue her positive habits,
she eventually returns to an activity that she dearly loves.
The sketch in this post is my first character study for this little girl.
I plan on posting more glimpses into the development of this book as I make slow progress illustrating the story.
(I still work full time teaching and do this in my spare time).
In the meantime, if there is a child in your life (of any size!) who needs some positive body encouragement:
Remind him/her that wonderful, loving, amazing, talented people come in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Find an enjoyable physical activity that you can share and focus on the fun.
(don’t make it about athletic competition and weight loss)
Try cooking together, with a recipe that uses non-processed, fresh ingredients and focus on the the joy of eating well.
(don’t make it about deprivation or good/bad calories).
And please get the school involved if you think he/she may be a victim of bullying!
PS: I LOVE COMMENTS but…
please don’t leave comments about the dangers of childhood obesity, blah bah, etc.
As an artist, I promote non-judgmental, compassionate encouragement
to make positive choices for health and well being,
regardless of the body you already have.
Hi Elizabeth!
As you know, I am one of your biggest fans – literally and figuratively LOL! Please be sure your book does not get mired in the same controversy as MAGGIE GOES ON A DIET, about the little girl who lost weight and became a soccer star. Fortunately people responded appropriately to that awful book and said children should not be dieting! I hope your little skating star does not have to lose weight. Instead of wearing a tutu, maybe she could wear a 3-3 or a 4-4! xo
No Worries, Nellie! The only thing our little girl loses is the negative attitude that made her feel like giving up her dreams. We really are working on an alternative to that book you mentioned. Our child is encouraged to be the best she can be, and her size/weight doesn’t stop her.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I was just reading up on the EXPENSIVE anti-fat-children campaign in Georgia, and it is so sad. They have billboards shaming the kids (“It’s hard to be a little girl when you aren’t”), and they hired healthy but big child actors to recite pathetic lines for TV ads (“I just play video games because then no one teases me”). Wow – talk about accentuating the negative! There is nothing to hold onto. Totally wrongheaded in every way.
What a great and worthy project. I was thin as a child, and sometimes teased for that, and now I’m overweight and struggle with body image while I try to lovingly care for myself physically and mentally. It’s hard! I completely agree with your statement about shame and blame not being the way to go when trying to encourage a healthy lifestyle and relationship to your body. Acceptance of all body types would help reduce the shame.
thank you for your support Kathy. I’m sorry you were teased as a kid (sadly, weren’t we all?) and hopefully you will continue to find ways to honor who you are right now. I think children’s books have come a long way in showing diversity, but there are almost no positive images of larger children, and I hope this can help show that kids of all sizes deserve a childhood filled with fun and friends.
what a cutie!
Wonderful project, Elizabeth! Please keep me posted, and let me know if Pearlsong Press (or its staff — of one, LOL) can help in any way.
I’m so excited about this book! Thank you Elizabeth and Judith for bringing this idea to life!!! When ready, I’d love to promote it in my “Weigh This Instead!” blog (www.aweighout.com ) When do you envision it will be completed? I’d also love to brainstorm about how BEDA might include it as part of our National Weight Stigma Awareness Week (in September). BRAVA!
I am so happy to see this wonderful book in the works. I await with baited breath for the publishing. When it comes out, please let me know. I MUST include it in my directory in the section “For Plus Size Kids” http://www.plussizeyellowpages.com/For_Plus_Size_Kids.htm Ooo, she is so cute!
thank you Kelly! I will let you know when the book is ready to be listed. I hope she can help make lots of big girls smile!
Oh, this just makes me want to hug you. I was a little fat girl who loved skating!
this comment makes me want to hug YOU Deeleigh!
I love this project! I can’t wait to see the final book!
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Judith! Look forward to the book’s publication.