Today my kids were taking about their Halloween costumes while video chatting with my MIL. My 2.5 year old excitedly told her that she was going to be Olivia the pig. MIL's only response was to ask if she was going to get fat. And then she said something about Olivia being a skinny pig.
I am livid. But, I also know that I have a whole lot of stuff wrapped up in this relationship so I am not sure I am judging fairly. What do you think? Would you say anything?
nectarine / 2808 posts
I don’t think it’s that big of a deal actually. Sounds like she was referring more to the pig’s size. And maybe being a little silly. But, I know how hard MIL relationships can be and mine has stepped on my toes on more than one occasion. I think I’d let it slide this time. If she ever actually comments on weight regarding your daughter or talks about someone being too fat, speak up then.
pomelo / 5084 posts
Agree with pp. On weight of the pig character comment - questionable. Weight of your DD comment - you say something.
pomelo / 5257 posts
It depends on the tone. I definitely don't want anyone assigning value to weight in front of my kids, so if it came across as fat=bad, or worse than skinny, I wouldn't be happy either.
pear / 1737 posts
I agree that it was somewhat weird, but likely harmless.
I did have weight comments made about me by one grandfather to my mother, in front of me, when I was a chubby adolescent and it was something I couldn’t forget.
persimmon / 1023 posts
Yeah I don’t really like the fat and skinny comparison. It would give me pause because young girls are exposed to body image things so young nowadays and I think that being the first thing she says even about a fictional character is annoying.
I would let it slide but come Halloween, if there’s any further comments I would say something. Even if it’s like ‘oh look you’re a skinny piggy!’ Or something, you could redirect to ‘olivia is wearing her favourite outfit or Olivia is going on a fun adventure!’ Instead (sorry I don’t know the attributes of the character ha)
pomegranate / 3973 posts
This wouldn't bother me at all or even cross my mind to be upset about it.
Pigs are fat. It might be different if she was comparing her to another person.
squash / 13199 posts
@hitchhiker: To me it sounds like a harmless comment. Grandparents can say weird things sometimes.
persimmon / 1385 posts
I think it was a stupid thing to say to a kid who's obviously excited about their Halloween costume... BUT, I don't really think she meant anything by it. My guess is she's not very familiar with Olivia in particular so she was just glomming on to the pig aspect and trying to relate it to what she knows about pigs... they're fat.
apricot / 399 posts
Thanks y'all! I had a feeling I was overreacting, but I am so sensitive to weight comments, especially because this Grandma is prone to make appearance based judgements, and DD2 (future Olivia) is just a much bigger kid than her older sister. I'll save my outrage for the inevitable fights ahead!
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 1 |
| Posts | 1 | 1 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
9 comments