Did I Just Make Someone Who Eats Disorderly? An Unhappy Birthday Cake Story
Let’s explore a story that is so absurdly tragic that it seems like it belongs on a reality television program. A woman entered the “Am I the A******” subreddit in 2023 and shared how, rather than being happy about her stepdaughter’s birthday, she poked fun at her with a spoonful of health-conscious bullshit.
This woman, who recently married her husband, who is approaching 40 (and possibly pushing his luck too), became Gwen’s stepmother. She had two boys from a previous marriage, ages eight and ten. Young Gwen, who is just six years old, resides primarily with her real mother, whose blood reputedly runs on ketchup, but also spends two exciting weekends a month with the “blended” squad. As it happens, Gwen weighs twenty pounds more than a chart recommends. That’s where it starts.
The woman says with pride, “Health is our top priority in our household.” They are the perfect example of moderation and consistent exercise, she says. Oh, and the boys are thrust into action each and every day, as you may imagine.
The stepmother tries to ensnare Gwen into their way of life whenever she pays them a visit. It seems that the lads are brought in to assist Gwen in exercising, turning playtime into a bizarre type of boot camp.
Let’s discuss “healthy eating” in our home. It all comes down to teaching children to discriminate between “good” and “bad” food. Has your child reached for a sugary confection? With a calorie-counting hawk-like swoop, the stepmother asks, “Would you like to make a healthier choice?” As it happens, little Gwen is starting to understand and frequently chooses fruit. Merit worthy of a medal?
Pitchforks and torches were being seized by Reddit users almost as soon as someone said “carrot stick.” Her well-meaning counsel, such as cooking healthful meals, devolved into shame tactics as she lurked in the cupboard, waiting to attack anyone storing junk food.
“Nice job providing healthy meals, but stalking kids in the pantry to shame them?” said one Redditor. That’s a record low. Another remarked, “The last thing a six-year-old needs is to worry about making ‘bad choices,’” pointing out the child’s ignorance of calories. You should offer them healthy options; it is not your responsibility to make informed decisions when under pressure.
The Birthday Then Arrived…
Imagine Gwen’s happiness knowing that her birthday fell on a weekend when she would spend with her father. False! Rather than enjoying the traditional dessert, our stepmother advocated for a “healthier option.”
“Considering Gwen’s customary gluttony at home,” she reasoned, “I proposed we forgo the cake in favor of some of Gwen’s favorite low-fat ice cream.” We concurred. She appeared content.
Everything appeared to go OK until Gwen got back to her mother. Her mother was furious that her daughter had been denied the traditional birthday treat. Enraged, the mother called to say that Gwen had sobbed and admitted that although she really wanted cake, she felt pressured to make a “better” decision. There were accusations of fat-shaming and demands for an apology and a cake.
“Developing Anorexia, A Single Shame Trip at a Time”
On Reddit, the stepmother asked, “AITA for not having cake?” in an attempt to get approval. The majority of online users responded with a thunderous “YTA******.” One harsh remark said, “She’s only five! After giving her the blasted cake, take the family for a walk.Her fear and lying about wanting cake tell a deeper, troubling story,” pointed out a different poster. “This is how you give kids eating disorders,” said some. Everyone agreed that she was too self-righteous to see the harm she was doing.
Can we just cut some cake and forego the guilt trip over calories in a culture when birthdays are associated with indulgence? Today is for happiness, not condemnation!
What do you think of this dietary nightmare, my readers? Please feel free to express your ideas and opinions; in this crazy world of ours, we definitely need as many voices as possible.
