When she grows up, she "hopes she is just as skinny as I am". These are the words of an adorable little 9 year old girl that I teach in Sunday School. My, what aspirations. To grow up to be skinny.
When I was 9 years old I was just worried about whether my sister was into my barbies, or making sure my homework was done or what dad was going to make for dinner and how much of it I would be able to stuff down and whether he had made dessert or not. Everyone looked the same to me and I could have cared less if anyone thought I was ugly or fat or whatever.
What a generational gap!! I was appalled that a sweet little child, yes that's what she is.. a child.. would even think something like that. Usually when kids tell you they want to grow up to be like you, it is regarding your profession or you being a mom or something of that nature. But a 9 year old who hopes that she grows up to be as skinny as her Sunday School teacher??? I haven't met her mom yet, but I am betting that she is at the forefront of this problem. Kids dont naturally gravitate towards outward appearances unless their role models, ie: mom is so concerned about their looks and thier "diets".
What a sad thing. A child needs to be a child. So moms, I beseech you... I dont care how fat you think you are or how much you need your make up or what diet you need to do... keep it away from your kids! You are the greatest influence they will get while they are still elementary age and especially when they really get into the age group of worrying about what they look like.
Help me pray for this little girl.
