General discussion - Mom and Dad Esq.

Greedy did the right thing- its not just about anorexia (IMHO), but not embracing the value system that defines girls by their physical beauty in the first place. Even if she never came close to an eating disorder, the priority modeling would place on her appearances would be highly distracting. I knew some boys growing up who were child actors- did a lot of commercials, one even had a role in a major movie- they seemed incredbily isolated from the regular world of childhood, and not terribly happy most of the time. (FWIW).

re: the 5 year old: that would be startling; I'd think it only disturbing if he started making comments like that at mealtimes, or focusing on weight when he describes people. We can't raise our kids completely "fat blind," because there is a health issue involved, but it seems to me as long as the issue remains health, there aren't the same body image/eating disorder issues looming (bulimics don't purge to be healthier).

Besides, if his winter coat is anything like my kids' winter gear, its not a matter of appearing a little chunky- he probably doubles his size when he puts it on. So his comments are probably just an accurate observation, not a sign of growing insecurity about body image.