Kids can be so mean!

[susan423]

So, I lost nearly 35 pounds. Was feeling pretty good even though I have about 90 pounds to go. My husband has been so supportive, calling me sexy and skinny, even though he was good about doing that before I started losing. But he knew I needed extra support cause the scale hasn't moved for a couple of weeks. Anyway, like I said I was feeling pretty good and I was at Walmart today and as I passed a woman with her (probaly) 5 year old son, I heard the kid say "look at the fat lady, momma". I wanted to say something so bad but I'd probaly be slapped in jail! Times like these I'm so glad I decided I didn't like kids well enough to have any of my own. I'll take my 10 year old dog anyday. I know I shouldn't let things like that bother me but it does just a bit. I'm 45 years old and still remember the rudeness of kids in high school. Anyway, just needed to get this off my chest.

[apple]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Times like those you either stick out your tongue at the kid hit the kid with a container of eggs or smile nice and big knowing you've dropped 35 pounds. Yeah, throwing eggs at the kid wouldn't be right...it would be a waste of good food.

Congrats on losing 35 pounds and shine on! You're doing a great job!

[*Emma*]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Sorry you had to hear that.. congrats on the 35 pounds so far!

[Alexa]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

That's a shame - I would hope it that situation that the parent would apologise and explain to the child why these things mustn't be said.

Congrats on 35lbs though

[plsmachic]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

not all kids are bad... he probably doesnt know anything about "feelings" and such yet...

I remember my little brother, 7 at the time, was playing with one of his friends and I walked past his room where they were playing and his friend said, "is that your sister?" (i didnt live there) to which my brother responded, "yeah, she's so fat"

That hurt.

So, I feel you. But, remember they are INNOCENT children.

[jimmyolsenblues]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

I know how it is to feel judged in public.
I have psoriasis on top of being obese.
(attractive I know, almost brad pitt level)
So when people are not giving me advice on how to lose weight, they are giving me advice on how to get rid of psoriasis.
It makes for me being self conscious all the time.
But for me it is also that I am not happy about me being me.
The longer I am on atkins, exercising, being with good friends, people who accept me for the way I am, the better I feel about myself.
But there is not wrong with being hurt but the often a-hole you meet in the streets who feels its their purpose in life to judge everyone.
Good luck.
Don't let the bastards get you down.

[susan423]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Thanks everyone for your kind words. After a good night sleep I'm pretty much over it. It does help that I have so much love and support at home.(and on this board). It makes what strangers say not worth a darn.

[not2late]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Just ignore the child. I usually go to a public track to do my walking or biking. Most of the folks using it are over 25 and/or overweight. But they are a very dedicated bunch who show up rain or shine to do their thing.

About 4 weeks ago, two teenage girls have been "walking". They are rail thin and they walk around the track twice. As they stroll around they make comments about the folks walking/running the track or they imitate the way someone walks or runs.

Personally, I want to run them over with my bike, but I get a good laugh because they poop out after walking 2 times around the inner track (a grand total of 1/2 mile!) while the other folks walk/run five or ten miles.

[kate58]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

The truth is that young kids are just brutally honest. It's a balance when trying to raise them to teach them to remain honest but to temper it with thoughtfullness and concern for others' feelings. It isn't a lesson they learn overnight.

I've lost some weight, but with a long way to go am still perfectly well aware that I am a "fat lady". It's just the truth. I'd hate to be called that in public by some kid, but then although the kid might be the only one to say it, it's highly likely that others (kids and adults) simply write me down mentally as that. They just know better than to say anything within my hearing. Either way, the situation is utterly unchanged - I am a fat lady.

I am the only one who can change that. Not hearing people say it won't make reality go away. The solution is not to avoid kids or blame them, while they are still too young to know better, for their blunt honesty. The solution is to become someone who isn't a fat lady.

They can also say encouraging things - like the 9 year old who asked me yesterday "Have you got taller or something?".

[LC_Diva]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Don't let it get you down... You have an excellent support mechanism here and at home!

[bradybunch]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

hey Susan, congrats on the 35 pound loss. that is great.
Had to share my kid story. I was in a store and a kid said to his Mom, look at that guy, I wonder how he got so fat. I heard her whisper to him he just eats way too much. I had to intervene then. i asked the little kid if he had ever eaten any watermelon and he said yes. i said well, this is what happens, you swallow one seed and the melons grow in your belly forever. The crying soon began.

[Hoping]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

I agree, don't let it get you down. It hurts, but we have to keep going. I feel the same way you do, I know I'm still fat BUT I've lost 20lbs since my highest weight and that makes me happy!

And just for the record, by the time you're five you should know what's socially acceptable. Obviously, not to the extent that an adult does; however, things like that are very basic and should be taught and a young age. I know if I ever said that to anyone my mom would have smacked me silly and apologized profoundly to the person that was insulted. On top of that I would have been in so much trouble once I got home.
It's like kids that stare. Same concept. Their parents should have taught them better by that age.

Brady, that is hilarious!!!!

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Turn this unfortunate situation into lemonade. Channel it and use it as even more drive than you had before; in retrospect, you'll only have "Hmph!" to say about what happened yesterday. It looks like you may have recently lost at least 3 dress sizes so far - honey, you're doing amazing. Keep up the good work!!

[Purple Crayon]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Just look the kid straight in the eye and say, "Yeah, I got this fat eating rude little children like you." Then smack your lips Hannibal Lechter style.

Just kidding folks. Children can be cruel. It's a poor reflection on their upbringing. Hopefully his mother had a talk with him about his comments.

Just remember that fat is a physical characteristic, not a personality trait and definitely not a character flaw.

Congratulations on the loss so far. Sounds like you're doing great!

[tyler90cali]

Re: Kids can be so mean!

Pretty sad we got people talking about hitting and making a 5 year old kid cry. He is 5 they dont know the diffrence between right and wrong. Just use it as motivation but dont dream about killing a 5 year old.