Upset 5-year-old called her mom 'fat' — instead of scolding her, the mom gave kid a powerful response

While growing up, children learn most of the things from their parents, peers, teachers and other adults around them. They master mannerisms, etiquette and most importantly, learn about the perceptions of body image and what counts as an insult. Similarly, when a woman's 5-year-old daughter, Cambelle, called her "fat" because she was mad at her mom, instead of getting angry, she decided to use it as a teaching moment and change her daughter's thought process. The mom, Allison Kimmey, who goes by @allisonkimmey on Instagram, shared what she did next.

"My daughter called me fat today. She was upset that I made them get out of the pool and she told her brother that Mama is fat," the caption read. Kimmey told Cambelle to meet her upstairs for a chat. She asked her to repeat what she had said earlier. "I said you were fat, Mama, I'm sorry." The mom explained, "The truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It's not something you can be. But I do have fat. We all have fat. It protects our muscles and our bones and keeps our bodies going by providing us with energy. Do you have fat?" Cambelle agreed and said she had some on her tummy, and Kimmey revealed that every person has fat.

"Everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts," the mom told her daughter. "Some people have a lot and others don't have very much. But that doesn't mean that one person is better than the other." She made her children repeat, "I shouldn't say someone is fat because you can't be just fat, but everyone HAS fat and it's okay to have different fat." Kimmey pointed out that "fat" wasn't a bad word in her household. She added that if she "shamed" her children for saying it, then she would be proving that it is an "insulting" word. The mom went on, "[Then] I continue the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical and undesirable." The mom could understand that her daughter had gotten the idea from somewhere else, as they didn't use the word in their household as an insulting term.

"Ideas about body image are already filtering through their minds. It is our job to continue to be the loudest, most accepting, positive and consistent voice they hear," Kimmey expressed. According to another post, a few months later, Cambelle's classmate called her "fat," and she was able to repeat what her mom had taught her. The mom considered that a "parenting win." The classmate replied, "Oh, okay!" to Cambelle's answer. "I couldn't believe that my 5-year-old daughter had been able to handle a situation with more grace than most 30-year-olds." The mom took the moment to point out how "Children aren't born with hate inside them," but internalize what they experience from their surroundings. In such a case, the mom wanted to be "the voice of compassion, humility and love" for her kids.

She also had a message for people who might think that she was "promoting obesity." Kimmey remarked, "Please understand that preventing childhood bullying before it can even start is not a matter of weight, but of character." People shared their thoughts about the incident in the comments. @aprilla1204 wrote, "What an incredible little girl you have raised. Good job, Mama!" @ninki.minjaj.44 commented, "Such an inspirational mother! I hope I can be as good as you." @hollyodegn remarked, "Wish I had half of your confidence...I won't even wear shorts. Awesome role model for girls!"

You can follow Allison Kimmey (@allisonkimmey) on Instagram for swimming and body positivity content.