. . . Maybe just a new coat!
Being around weight-conscious high schoolers apparently has rubbed off on my language at home. I listen to the teens point to minuscule amounts of fat on their bodies and weep about how fat they feel. "I just won't eat lunch. Maybe I can exercise longer tonight" are comments that spill from their mouths as they attempt to problem solve their nonexistent belly.
I nostalgically smile as I remember also feeling the same way at their age, yet as a mother, I know that my problems are bigger. "Three kids" bigger. "Three kids, stress, and desire to eat what I want" bigger. Ridding my body of fat would take more than a skipped meal or lengthy exercise routine. While this is all normal for a woman to think, I must be over verbalizing at home. I was reminded of this at the oddest time this week. . .
We were getting ready to go to school this past Thursday, and I was struggling to get Evan to understand that when the weather man forecasts a high of 25 degrees, Evan needs to concede and wear a winter coat. I had finally convinced the older boys, and they were donning the appropriate apparel.
Evan, however, was not.
He was screaming and crying, and, in truth, had he not been going to preschool, I would have applied basic love and logic and let him be cold. However, I couldn't feel right about sending him to preschool where other parents may think I am out of my mind.
Our fight continued, and like a good mom, I offered simple bribery: You put this winter coat on, and I will give you two pieces of candy to eat on the way. Ultimately, with tears streaming down his face, he begrudgingly conceded defeat. As he put the coat on, he hung his head, slumped his shoulders, and screamed, " I look so fat in this coat."
WHAT?
SERIOUSLY?
I was stuck in a mixture of pure shock, horror, and humor all at once. He felt fat in his coat? Since when does a four year old care how he looks? Especially a four year old who was just bribed with chocolate?
I am not certain that he had any idea what he was saying, but one message rang clear to me: I need to stop talking about my weight. Obviously, Evan is listening and internalizing my dissatisfaction.
So, the real question remains, did he wear the coat? Yep, he wore it both Thursday and Friday, but he continues to refuse when he isn't at school. That's my Ev.
3 comments:
Matthew said something similar to me. But I don't think they really mean the "I feel fat" like we mean "I feel fat". I think they just don't have the freedom of movement like they use to when they put on those big, puffy, comfy coats. Therefore, they feel fat. At least I pray that I'm right! Scary! But for me, it definately 'tis the season to feel fat!!! Bring on the turkey and pumpkin pies! :)
Have a great Thanksgiving!
I am so glad to know that Ian isn't the only one that doesn't want to wear his coat. I fight with him almost everyday to put it on. His excuse is he doesn't like it or he isn't cold. I have let him go without it on but only when I know I wont be judged by other parents. :)
I love that story... it's so very Evy. Can't wait to see him later today with his puffy coat.
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