This quote stuck out to me the most:
"It’s not just about getting a bigger size, and it’s not about taking plus-size little girls into women’s stores just to find clothes to fit them,” she says. "I saw that all the time, and it struck me how they never got to look like little girls,” says Smith. “It wasn’t fair.”
I remember all too well having to go into sections of departments stores made for older women and wearing clothes that weren't age appropriate but fit my body. I felt uncomfortable, self-conscious, and ugly. I wanted to be hip and popular but instead I was funny looking and a loser. While the other girls pranced round in well fitting jeans and cute tops, I wore baggy pants with an elastic waist band and a too large blouse in some flower pattern.
I know some will say that these kids just need to be put on a diets and exercise programs and will blame their parents for not caring enough about their kids' health. But the reality is, it's not that simple. There are a lot of factors involved including socio-economics and genetics. Speaking as a person who grew up poor and fat, my parents tried their best to feed us properly but sometimes it was just about feeding us. As far as exercise, I ran around outside and played with my brother and our friends all the time. We had triathlons--running, going across the monkey bars and riding bikes around the neighborhood as fast as we could. I was just a fat kid and fat kids shouldn't be punished for not fitting into what the media and society says is correct.
This woman understands this and is helping children the way children should be helped. She not trying to force them into self-destructive behavior that will lead to low self-esteem and eating disorders. So, fucking KUDOS to this woman for being caring, understanding, and loving!
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