PARENTING August 6, 2001 Issue

"Mom, am I fat?"

By Debra Keller

I'VE MADE IT A POINT while raising my three children—especially my teenage daughter, Katie—to steer clear of focusing on their weight, height, or overall body type. This is because I've wanted them to be free from the burden I experienced as a young woman, trying to model myself after unrealistic body images and worrying that if I gained even a few pounds, I wouldn't be accepted by my peers or be attractive to boys.

I want my children to know they're special because of who they are, not what they look like.

As a result, I haven't made a big deal out of diet or exercise. I've cooked balanced meals, exercised when I had time, and served my family dessert on a regular basis.

About the author

Debra Keller is a writer, small-business owner, and the mother of two sons and a daughter, ages 12 to 20. She and her husband are raising their family in Hughson, California.

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