Is it wrong to give your baby nicknames that involve being chunky or fat? Will that give them low self esteem when they’re older?

[Anonymous]

My five month old is chunky but I think being chunky as a baby is healthy and most of the time they shed that weight when they begin to crawl, walk and just overrall become more active. Now, I call him fat, Chunky, Thick, Thunder thighs etc and my mom sort of got mad when I jokingly, as I always do my son with his nicknames, called him fat. She told me that I need to stop calling him that because he will get low self esteem and that if he stays fat after being a baby that I won’t like it. I feel she was completely wrong because for one he’s a baby so he doesn’t know what’s good or bad. When I call him fat, chunky etc he laughs so how will it possibly give him low self esteem. Second, why would I be upset if he turns out to be a big boy, not unhealthy big, but just big? Everyone is made and built different. I will love him the same. I understand she’s my mom and raised me but I think grandparents/parents aren’t always right with their advice.

[Anonymous]

While it's understandable that you may use nicknames for your baby that reflect their physical characteristics, it's important to consider how those nicknames may affect their self-esteem as they grow older. Even if your baby is too young to understand the meaning of the nicknames, they may internalize negative messages about their body if they hear those nicknames repeated over time.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with being a larger-bodied person, it's important to avoid attaching negative connotations to body size. Using nicknames like "fat" or "thunder thighs" can reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to body shaming and low self-esteem.

Instead, consider using nicknames that reflect positive qualities or personality traits, such as "little buddy," "sweetie," or "smarty pants." This can help build a positive sense of self and encourage your baby to develop confidence and self-esteem.

Remember, as a parent, you have a powerful influence on your child's sense of self and body image. It's important to model positive behaviors and attitudes around body size and to avoid using language that reinforces negative stereotypes or shames your child's body.

[Truthatanycost]

You should know better. Any nickname or label you give your child should be based on ascension and a higher vibration. There should be no question, no debate or gray area as to what it may, or may not mean to an adult or anyone else period. You are wrong on this one. This I have no doubt.

[Anonymous]

Every other word is fine but fat

[Asker]

I don't know. I just feel like it’s fine for him personally because of how I say it. I always make sure I’m smiling, making funny faces or saying it in a happy and playful tone. I guess it’s all about perspective and how you view it. I personally don’t see any wrong in it as long as you’re not calling the baby fat in a way where you sound disgusted or disappointed that you had or have a fat baby.

[Opinion Owner]

It's fair not to call a baby or child fat or words that adults wouldn't like. Like what if I call my child stinky or another cute pet name. Do what you want with your child ALL grandmothers a controlling. Block her out