By Jaime Herndon

On Facebook, we posed a question to the Auntourage: “Your 10 year old niece calls you, upset. She thinks she’s “fat.” Frankly, you think she is overweight, and you’re concerned. So, what do you say to your niece?”

Responses poured in to this sensitive topic. Patti Cheever wrote, “She’s 10? Tell her she’s beautiful. Do not, I repeat, do not say or even hint that you think she’s fat. Offer to go on walks with her; if she’s comfortable enough with you to call her about this, going on walks will give you more opportunity to talk to her and maybe teach her that there’s more to beauty than a number on a scale.”

Pamela Westmoreland added, “Use it as a chance to start a dialogue about her eating habits, and get physical with her or with her family. Focus on health, not appearance.”

Many Savvy Aunties brought up the point that at age 10, bodies are still growing and changing, and to share that message with her. Also, that appearance shouldn’t be the focus of the conversation. Instead, the focus should be on eating healthy, getting and staying active, and realizing that self-worth comes from more than a number on a scale.

So, Auntie, what would you say?

Photo Clare Bloomfield
Published: February 24, 2015