When a Glenview, Illinois mom took her 13-year-old daughter to the doctor for a yearly physical, she was shocked when a nurse started bullying the teen. Julie Venn never dreamed she would be forced to become an advocate for young women and girls everywhere when it comes to fat-shaming and body-shaming, but that’s exactly the position she found herself in. Judy has more than one daughter and she’s teaching them that they’re beautiful and strong. She’s also emphasizing good health over weight, stating that it’s just a number and what matters is to be as healthy and strong as possible. So this experience at the doctor’s office was shocking to her.
When the nurse came in to do her daughter Riley’s physical, everything started out as normal at first. Julie herself is a coach, so she knows her daughter’s strength and size is coming along nicely, and as a mother, it pleases her to see her beautiful teenager turning into a healthy young woman. Unfortunately, the uninformed nurse apparently didn’t see it that way. She began questioning the young softball and basketball player about her diet, exercise habits, sleep habits, and even school. That’s when she came out with an insane and unbelievable question: “Tell me, Riley, how can you explain all of this weight you’ve gained.”
https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/posts/581201592294836
Whoa. It’s unbelievable that a healthcare professional would approach a young woman this way. Not only is the question inappropriate, but the way she phrased it is horrible, too. Riley is a young, healthy woman and the scary part is that this is probably something this nurse does regularly. There’s no way to know how many young women have been given a complex because of this nurse. And these other young women? They may not have had an advocate mom with them as Riley did. The nurse pointed out that Riley’s weight gain doesn’t add up with her height. Read the original Facebook post below.
Riley’s mom was horrified. She said that she had a “literal, physical reaction.” Immediately, she put her hand up and said, “STOP! You need to stop talking to my daughter about her weight.” Julie proceeded to inform the nurse that Riley is a “strong” and healthy young woman and is absolutely perfect. She firmly suggested that the nurse “move on.” As a woman and a mom, I’d be horrified, too. I’m overweight and I’d not let some nurse talk to me that way, let alone talk to my little girl that way. This is contributing to the problem that women all over the world have with body image.
Image: Julie Venn/Facebook
When Julie shared the story on Facebook, she heard from women all over the world who have suffered from a lifetime of eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Many of the young women have even survived suicide attempts because they’re self-image is so low. Julie stood up for her daughter and has become a hero for young women everywhere.
Featured image: Facebook
