Today as I was sitting watching television with my oldest child, he turned to me and said, "Rachel is really fat. She eats too much." I couldn't believe my ears. I quickly asked who he heard that from and he responded with your name.
My heart sank.
My children all adore you. You let them sit on your lap while you read book after book. You will make 3 different meals just so each one has their favorite food. You are always thinking of them. I know you love them and they sure do love you. The one thing I didn't expect you to teach my son is how to bully other people.
I know that you grew up in a time when there was no such thing as being politically correct. I also understand that you are getting older with each passing year, but neither of these is an excuse for being so hateful.
I grew up being bullied in school. I was ridiculed for the way I looked. Kids would laugh about my off brand clothes and my glasses. After I had children, I knew that I would have to face this fear eventually. I never thought I would have to teach this to my four year old.
I do my best to let each kid become who they want to be. I let my boys wear pink and grow their hair out if they choose. I have taught my children to say please and thank you. I have taught them to be helpful with one another. We use positive language in this house. I admit to slipping up on a few occasions, but I have never insulted a human for something they couldn't help in front of my children.
Part of this is my fault. Don't think I haven't caught onto the way you refer to the LGBT community. I did hear the reference to "colored children" when I decided to take my children to a community Easter Egg hunt. I just ignored you knowing that a woman like you is just stuck in her ways.
Why do you think that you have a right to say whether someone is too fat? You don't know if they eat too much. You are not a doctor. Rachel loves my children and her weight has nothing to do with that.
My poor son. He didn't mean to say something that would hurt Rachel. He loves her. He was just mimicking you. Someone he loves.
Please remember that young children pick up on everything you do.
Love is natural and hate is taught.
