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July at The Real Work: How do I respond if my child asks "Am I Fat?" Plus Monthly Magic News!
Published 10 days ago • 2 min read
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Hi Reader,
Welcome to July's topic of interest! Let's jump into a tough one that we have all probably considered. How to handle conversations with our kids about body size, and specifically how to answer if your child asks Am I Fat? This month, Real Work therapist Mick James, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, shares best practices for parents around conversations like this.
One of my favorite ideas from the article:
Kids almost never ask “am I fat?” as a neutral measurement question.
And as parents/caregivers to kids, we get to be "first responders" to model healthy relationships to body size.
In this article, Mick shares why a child's question, "Am I fat?" is rarely just about body size, and why resisting the urge to immediately reassure them with "No, you're beautiful!" can actually reinforce harmful beliefs about weight. Grounded in weight-inclusive and Health at Every Size principles, the article offers practical ways to foster body trust, resilience, and open conversations that protect children from the impacts of diet culture.
A few other things happening around The Real Work this month:
Hello from Beaverton's Pride in the Park!
We were so pleased to get to join the event this year, and will definitely be back next year. It was such a kid, inclusive, and creative space for all involved.
Megan has openings for kids and tweens on Saturdays and Sundays
🌱Welcome to the Team, Megan!
Megan joined The Real Work as a therapist for kids and tweens, and guess what? She has openings for therapy on weekends and Mondays/Tuesdays! Learn more about Megan by clicking on her photo! You can also reply to this email if you'd like to work with her.
click here to learn more
🎮 Special Interest Groups: Arts and Crafts as well as the Nintendo Group
At Gabi's Arts and Crafts-themed group kids are connecting through shared interests and parallel play. These groups continue to remind us that belonging often starts with finding people who simply "get" you.
ADHD: My Creative Brain and Me! Summer Camp was a blast!
Our wonderful therapist, Gabi, hosted The Real Work’s first ever summer camp at our outdoor play space! It was a time of creativity and empowerment and friendship- making for a small group of kids with ADHD. Gabi went above and beyond in each creative activity and we are so grateful for her.
Finally! OT Openings in August!
We've had a waitlist for a few months, and are pleased to announce that we will be accepting new Occupational Therapy clients in August! Reply here if you're interested in getting a spot!
As always, thank you for being part of our community.
Warmly,
Rebekah
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We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.
