My wake up call – AKA – Kids and Brutal Honesty

December 9, 2009 By 16 Comments

So, here I am, going about my day….and then WHAM! I hit the brick wall of my 5 year old’s honesty.

She tip toes in from gymnastics – walks right up to me, pats me on the stomach and says,

“Wow, Mommy….do you have a baby in your tummy?  It is Reeeallllyy big.”

And I am instantly struck with the child-like urge to push her down.

But, you will be happy to know, I resist.

Not because I want to (the truth is – I really want to push her) but because I am a Mommy (read: adult who is supposed to have little to know sensitivity when it comes to dealing with the uncensored ramblings of small people)

I am expected to have thick skin when it comes to this type of thing, right?  I mean….it isn’t like she was trying to hurt my feelings. But, it sort of made me want to grab a bag of Oreos.  And push her down.  I already mentioned that part, right?

Clearly, this is a sensitive topic for me.  Because I have been wondering the very same thing about myself.  It feels like I haven’t been to the gym since 1987.  And I know my eating has been suspect.

Yet, I am surrounded by friends who ‘pshaw’ when I talk about it.

“you don’t need to lose weight.” “your eating is fine.” “you are TINY!”

But the small person doesn’t have that type of censoring.  She calls is like she sees it.

And she sees what I have been trying to avoid: that I needed a little wake-up call.

Want to meet me at the gym in the morning?

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  • http://babybloomr.com/ Babybloomr

    I’d go with the push her down idea.

  • http://www.livehealthierandhappier.com duongsheahan

    Kids say what they see…but I saw you and even thought I thought you looked great…. Awe, It’s Ok sweetie! (just trying to console you after those piercing words)
    @duongsheahan

  • Danielle

    Ok Babybloomr – I love you for agreeing with me. I’ll do it tomorrow just because I will still be bitter about it :)

  • Danielle

    Thanks Duong – you are too kind! I just *might* deserve it….but still wasn’t fun to hear!

  • http://auntiealpal.blogspot.com/ Al_Pal

    Well, I don’t think you could’ve gained THAT much in the last few months — but if you are uncomfortable, then definitely get your exercise on! (Have you seen me sing the praises of belly dancing? It is for real!) ;p

  • Danielle

    Belly Dancing? I love it – wonder if there is any where around here to take a class…hmmm. That’s what I need – something fun!

  • http://www.thrilledbythethought.com Rebecca

    My daughter doesn’t use full sentences yet. Maybe I should keep it that way somehow.

  • Danielle

    ahhh yes…the days BEFORE she could say what she is thinking. I’m jealous :)

  • http://www.calgarydaddy.com Calgarydaddy

    You look GREAT! Kids are confused sometimes..!

    Shane

  • http://www.happilyblended.com Brandy

    Awww…. you are beautiful! I do know my tummy has been getting larger, it’s hard to get that part of my body just right, especially after three kids, two of which were born 2 years 6 days apart and are now 3 and 1. I find your tummy is the hardest area to firm up and keep firmed up!

    I do love little people’s honesty though, it makes you want to be proud, angry and hurt all at once! LOL

  • http://shortpumppreppy.com Linda

    oh my gosh, she’d be asking me if it’s triplets! Kids say the darnedest things!!

  • http://thismomswired.com Sarah

    I think you look fantastic but I think there are more reasons besides the aesthetics to hit the gym and your heart and your health will ultimately be better for it.

    Love, The Gym Rat.
    xoxo

  • http://livelaughlove95.com Malia

    Glad to know I’m not the only mom who gets that reflex!

    Do what you need to do for you Danielle. Don’t think about what other people say. You’ll feel much better just knowing you’re doing something that helps you feel healthier!

  • http://createabalance.com Stacey / Create a Balance for Moms

    I have been planning to write my own post about my three year old’s honesty soon (you are hearing it here first). The other day he got a peek of my belly (what we call the “empty baby house”) and he told me my belly looks like a butt. I think I have hit rock bottom.

    In my eyes Danielle, you will always be tiny.

  • Kate

    I’ll never forget Mother’s Day 2008. It was the day my then 3-year-old daughter chose to inform me, “Mommy, Daddy is the big boss…and you are the fat boss.” LOL. Granted…I did give birth a week later…but it still wasn’t exactly the Mother’s Day adoration that I had hoped for!

  • Danielle

    Amazing how those comments stick with us :) (and the date too!) At least it was while you were pregnant, so you simply know she didn’t understand the qualifying circumstances :)