Honestly, I question my ability to parent far more than I should, and then there are moments when I say to myself; I did a good job with that. All the parenting books in the world couldn’t have prepared me to reflect on all of my own insecurities and experiences growing up, through the lens of my child.
As we head into June, schools across the UK are getting ready for Sports Day — a day of sporting events, picnics, overly competitive parents — the other year one parent pushed another over during the ‘parents sprint’ causing them to twist their ankle — and if you’re lucky, some sunshine.
I was never fond of PE or Sports Day, but one summer in High School, we practiced Shot Put and Discus. Y’all I was actually good. A sport that didn’t require running or trying to throw my body over metal poles… it was easy, and I enjoyed it. Of course my previous lack of gusto for sporting activities, and my larger body meant that teachers did not encourage me, and I once again sat on the sidelines for Sports Day.
So when my kid came to me this time last year and said: “I don’t want to do sports day.” I had lots of feelings…
“Yeah kid, I don’t blame you…”
“If he doesn’t go, I don’t have to be socially anxious…”
“It’s going to be so hot too!!”
“His hay-fever has been terrible this year…”
“If we don’t go, what will other people think?”
“Am I failing him as a parent by not making him do this?”
Selfishly, I have zero desire to sit in the sunshine for 4 hours, feeling socially awkward, waiting for my kid to participate in one race. As a parent in a larger body, events at schools are not accessible or welcoming to me — sitting on tiny chairs, low benches, and narrow lunch tables — and it stirs up so many emotions.
In this bonus episode I’m sharing some of my experience of parenting in a larger body, and why I decided to let my kid skip Sports Day. It’s fascinating to watch as his relationship with movement changes, and I’m sure it’s down to the way PE is taught in schools. Maybe that’s an episode for another day!
In this episode:
Navigating the stereotypes and biases that come with being a parent in a larger body can be challenging.
Having open and non-judgmental conversations with children about their feelings and experiences is important.
Prioritising my child's well-being and happiness over societal expectations.
Sharing experiences and starting conversations about parenting in a larger body can help create a supportive community.
🎧 I’d love to know your thoughts. Have you experienced something similar?
June Bonus | Parenting in a Larger Body: Anti Sports Day