Woman Won’t Let Obese Mom Babysit Her Newborn, Gets Called Out For Fat Shaming


A harsh truth about ourselves is brutal to hear, especially from a loved one. It’s almost like trying to swallow the most bitter pill that leaves a bad taste in your mouth for a while. 


For this woman, the cruel reality of her unhealthy lifestyle slapped her hard when she was banned from babysitting her newborn grandchild. Her daughter’s concerns were legitimate, but instead of taking it in stride and doing something about it, she cried foul and threw different accusations. 


The division within the family prompted the daughter to ask the internet if she was out of line for what she did. 


A woman had been forbidden to babysit her newborn grandchild


Pregnant woman standing indoors near a window, gently holding her baby bump, related to babysitting and obesity concerns.


Image credits: Natalia Blauth / Unsplash (not the actual photo)


Her daughter described her as “morbidly obese” and having trouble moving around


Pregnant woman explains why she won’t let obese mom babysit newborn, sparking fat shaming debate online.


Excerpt of a woman explaining her obese mom’s health struggles and why she won’t babysit her newborn.


Text excerpt discussing a woman’s concerns about her obese mom babysitting her newborn, sparking fat shaming debate.


Text message discussing refusal of babysitting offer from an obese mom, mentioning daycare and scheduling visits.


Obese woman in blue top sitting on a couch during a conversation about newborn babysitting and fat shaming.


Image credits: AllGo / Unsplash (not the actual photo)


The daughter was worried that her mother might not be able to handle the babysitting duties


Text discussing a woman refusing obese mom to babysit her newborn, facing backlash for fat shaming concerns.


Text excerpt about a woman refusing obese mom to babysit newborn, mentioning concerns over weight and baby care.


Text from a woman explaining she doubts her obese mom can physically handle babysitting their newborn in an emergency.


Close-up of a woman with red lipstick gently touching her face, illustrating a woman refusing obese mom babysitting newborn.


Image credits: Kateryna Hliznitsova / Unsplash (not the actual photo)


However, these legitimate concerns led to a full-blown rift within the family


Text from a family dispute about not letting obese mom babysit newborn, facing backlash for fat shaming concerns.


Image credits: annoyedatgrandma


Saying a harsh truth to a loved one is likely driven by spite


Woman covering face in distress while holding phone, illustrating conflict over obese mom babysitting newborn topic.


Image credits: Blake Cheek / Unsplash (not the actual photo)


While some people are commended for their “brutal” honesty, experts believe these statements may come from a place of malice.


“It may feel honest to be harsh, but it is probably spite,” Brigham Young University professor and relationship researcher Dr. Jason Whiting wrote in an article for Psychology Today.  


People who describe themselves as “straight shooters” are likely used to this type of communication. Licensed psychologist Dr. Jonice Webb points out that it may be due to the environment they grew up in, which was likely emotionally neglectful


Dr. Webb adds that using harsh words as a form of “honesty” may be a way to let the other person know you’re about to hurt them and get away with it. In turn, the receiver only puts their defenses up, much like the grandmother’s reaction in the story. 


However, it’s also important to note that the ugly truth will always be difficult to handle, regardless of how you deliver it. As physician and keynote speaker Dr. Kevin Pho points out, people are more accepting of honesty when it’s not directed at them. 


“The truth often strikes at the ego, and few possess the fortitude to endure it without feeling wounded,” he wrote in an article for his website. 


So, what is the best way to deliver a harsh truth? Dr. Pho advises being honest and empathetic at the same time. Meanwhile, Dr. Whiting urges speaking devoid of strong emotions, stating, “Don’t mix bad words with a bad mood.” 


The daughter could have voiced her concerns without appearing aggressive, saying something like, “Babysitting a newborn might be a lot of work. Are you sure you can handle it?” 


She could also let her mother try babysitting a few times to see if she can handle the job. Her concerns, after all, are mere speculation. 


The author provided more information to add to her story


Comment discussing concerns about obese mom babysitting newborn and complexities of full-time childcare arrangements.


Screenshot of an online discussion about a woman not allowing her obese mom to babysit her newborn, addressing mobility and caregiving concerns.


Text post on social media discussing concerns about obese mom babysitting newborn and potential fat shaming.


Text screenshot showing a Reddit discussion about an obese mom and caregiving needs, related to fat shaming concerns.


Text excerpt discussing a woman refusing her obese mom to babysit her newborn, addressing mobility and fat shaming issues.


Reddit discussion about a woman refusing obese mom to babysit newborn, sparking fat shaming controversy online.


Many readers sided with her


Comment discussing concerns about obese mom babysitting newborn and addressing fat shaming in family care debate.


Comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and accusations of fat shaming.


Comment discussing a woman refusing obese mom to babysit newborn and facing fat shaming accusations online.


Comment discussing a woman refusing her obese mom to babysit her newborn, addressing concerns of fat shaming and self-image.


Comment discussing fat shaming and refusing obese mom to babysit newborn, highlighting health and responsibility concerns.


Comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and issues around fat shaming.


Comment discussing concerns about obese mom babysitting newborn and addressing fat shaming accusations online.


Comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting newborn due to health and safety risks.


Comment expressing concern about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and safety issues raised by users online.


Comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and challenges faced with fat shaming.


Text about a woman refusing obese mom to babysit newborn, facing backlash for alleged fat shaming controversy.


Comment on a parenting forum discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and fat shaming issues.


Screenshot of an online comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and related fat shaming.


Online comment defending woman who won’t let obese mom babysit newborn, addressing fat shaming concerns.


Reddit comment discussing challenges of obese mom babysitting newborn and concerns of fat shaming in parenting decisions.


Screenshot of a forum comment discussing concerns about an obese mom babysitting a newborn and fat shaming.


Screenshot of an online comment discussing a woman refusing obese mom to babysit her newborn due to safety concerns.


Comment from MaeSilver909 discussing concerns about obese mom babysitting newborn and suggestions for family exercise time.


A few commenters called her out for how she phrased the message


Reddit comment discussing a woman not letting obese mom babysit newborn and accusations of fat shaming controversy.


Comment about not letting obese mom babysit newborn, addressing concerns of fat shaming and physical ability.


While some thought both mother and daughter were at fault


Screenshot of a discussion comment about a woman fat shaming her obese mom over babysitting concerns.


Text excerpt discussing concerns about physical demands of babysitting for obese mom and planning support for newborn care.


Comment discussing concerns about mobility versus weight in the woman who won’t let obese mom babysit newborn.