Mother accused of ‘fat shaming’ after asking her stepdaughter to pick a ‘healthier’ birthday cake

A mother has been criticised for asking her six-year-old stepdaughter to make a ‘healthier choice’ than a birthday cake – because she’s 20lbs overweight.

The woman, 34, took to Reddit to explain how her stepdaughter Gwen stays with her ‘active’ family for two weekends a month, but otherwise has a poor diet.

The mother said Gwen’s birthday happened to fall on a weekend she was staying with her – and she asked the six-year-old to make a healthier birthday choice.

Instead of cake, she asked Gwen if she would like low-fat ice cream. 

She said: ‘Gwen’s birthday ended up falling on one of her weekends with us, and while we were talking about what kind of cake to have, I asked Gwen about the healthier choice.

‘My reasoning is unfortunately she’s still getting all that garbage at home, and it’s just not good for a growing girl.

‘She agreed and we decided to have some low-fat ice cream so she can still have a sweet treat. It’s a brand Gwen loves and asks for every time she’s here, so she was happy with it.’

But the healthier option didn’t go down well with Gwen’s mother, who accused her stepmother of ‘fat shaming’ – and demanded an apology. 

‘I’m just looking out for the health of a child in my care, but I never said Gwen couldn’t have cake and she could have had one if she said she wanted one,’ the woman said.

‘I suggested sticking to ice cream because I care.’

The mother said Gwen’s birthday happened to fall on a weekend she was staying with her – and she asked the six-year-old to make a healthier birthday choice (stock image)

Those on social media were inclined to agree with Gwen’s mother

Those on social media were inclined to agree with Gwen’s mother.

One even worried that the six-year-old could develop ‘food issues and a future eating disorder’ because of her stepmother’s attitude towards healthy eating.

Another said: ‘The mom probably asked her why she didn’t have a cake and that made the girl cry. It really isn’t that hard to believe.

‘The little girl is suppressing her own thoughts and feelings around her stepmom because she doesn’t feel safe sharing them. Stepmom’s actions are totally inappropriate.’

A third agreed, saying: ‘She’s a little girl who wanted some cake on her birthday.

‘There is no “good” or “bad” food. You really need to rethink your attitudes around food, eating [and] fat shaming.’

But not everyone felt the same way, with some commenters applauding the unnamed mother for her efforts.

One person said: ‘You’re doing a good thing by trying to promote healthier eating and active lifestyle.

‘How is allowing a young child who is already overweight to eat whatever better for said child in the long run than what you perceive as “fat shaming”?

‘Being overweight has consequences and no amount of denial from the body positivity crowd will change that.’