Cathrine can still feel it in her body when she talks about it.
At the time the doctor confronted her with the fact that her little daughter was above average on the weight curve.
So they should hold back a bit with the calorie-dense foods, was the well-intentioned advice.
Cathrine was new to parenthood.
So the first thought that hit her was; had she already failed as a parent?
And immediately all the old feelings came flooding back.
– If my children want chocolate biscuits for breakfast, they will have it. The most important thing we can teach our children is that they must trust their own intuition, says Cathrine Mamsen. Photo: Martél Andersen
Her old eating patterns with restrictive diet plans and negative body thoughts were on the rise again.
It surprised her that the old feelings came back. Because at this time she was in a completely different place in life.
– I was struck by the fact that we had already failed as parents. And I was totally taken back to my old relationship with food that had been so destructive to me. Were we now also going to check what our little girl was going to eat?
It was not so much the doctor’s words that her daughter weighed more than average that stuck in her.
That was his solution.
Because Cathrine knows how destructive that control can be.
So she said no, and instead chose to go against the doctor’s recommendations.
2024-10-27 04:43:00
#doctors #words #daughters #weight #Cathrine #radical #decision
Interview with Cathrine on Parenthood and Weight Perception
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Cathrine. It’s important to have conversations about the pressures parents face regarding their children’s health. Can you start by sharing what you felt when the doctor raised concerns about your daughter’s weight?
Cathrine: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. When the doctor mentioned that my daughter was above average on the weight curve, I felt a tidal wave of emotions. As a new parent, my first thought was that I had somehow failed her. It triggered a lot of my own insecurities and past feelings about body image and expectations.
Editor: That must have been incredibly overwhelming. How did that initial reaction affect your approach to parenting and your daughter’s diet?
Cathrine: It was tough. The well-intentioned advice to limit calorie-dense foods felt daunting. I began to scrutinize everything I fed her, worried that each decision would impact her health and well-being. I became hyper-aware of food in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and it sparked an internal struggle about balancing nourishment with my fears of judgment.
Editor: With those pressures, did you find any support or strategies to help navigate your feelings and decisions?
Cathrine: Yes, I sought out online communities of parents who were going through similar situations, which was really validating. I also started to focus on intuitive eating principles—not just for my daughter but for our whole family. The goal became about health and happiness, rather than strict rules. Creating a positive environment around food is what matters most.
Editor: That’s a refreshing perspective, especially in a world so driven by appearances. What advice would you offer to other parents who might be experiencing similar concerns about their child’s weight?
Cathrine: I’d say don’t equate your child’s worth with their weight. It’s essential to prioritize overall well-being and self-acceptance. Seek out knowledgeable support—pediatricians, nutritionists, or even supportive parents. It’s about fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image, rather than adhering to arbitrary standards.
Editor: Thank you, Cathrine, for sharing your journey and insights. It’s a vital conversation, and your experiences will resonate with many parents.
Cathrine: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about an issue so close to my heart. I hope it helps others feel less alone.
To cope with these emotions and decisions regarding your daughter’s eating habits?
Cathrine: Yes, I sought support through conversations with friends and parenting groups, and I also reflected on my own experiences with food. I realized how damaging restrictive diets and control over what we eat can be, not just for me but for children too. I decided that instead of imposing restrictions, I wanted to foster a healthy relationship with food for my daughter, encouraging her to listen to her intuition about what she eats.
Editor: That’s a powerful approach. You mentioned saying “no” to the doctor’s recommendations. Was that decision difficult for you?
Cathrine: It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made as a parent. The fear of being judged or criticized for my choice was overwhelming. But deep down, I knew I needed to break the cycle of negativity and control regarding food. It felt essential to prioritize her trust in her body over societal expectations.
Editor: Your insight is incredibly valuable, Cathrine. What message do you hope to share with other parents facing similar struggles?
Cathrine: I want parents to understand that it’s important to cultivate a positive relationship with food and body image, both for themselves and their children. Emphasize balance and trust rather than control. Children should learn to enjoy food and listen to their bodies, not be burdened by the fears and anxieties that can come from societal pressures.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s inspiring to see you taking a stand to prioritize your daughter’s well-being while also healing your own relationship with food.
Cathrine: Thank you for having me. It’s been therapeutic to open up about this. I hope it encourages others to think critically about the messages they receive and the impact those messages can have on their families.