by REBECCA SPARROW
Six days ago, a really, really weird thing happened. It appears that the entire Australian population turned into Carol and Mike Brady.
We went to bed on Tuesday night as normal and woke up as our favourite perfect TV parents.
Don’t be coy – you know I’m right. Think about it. In the past week none of our kids watched more than 30 minutes of C-classification TV a day. We didn’t utter a single swear word in front of them. Haven’t argued or bickered with our partner in their presence. And we most certainly didn’t flip the bird at that taxi driver who cut us off in the traffic.
At all times we have been attentive to our kids needs. Never speaking to them in harsh tones. And joyfully playing ‘shops’ with our toddler even though their shop is a rip-off and charges us $50 for a single apple. We don’t mind. We suck it up with joy. JOY.
And did I mention that our kids have eaten nutritious food the entire time this week? Fish fingers? Pah. It’s been home cooked meals and snacks all week. And don’t get me started on the volunteering they did on Sunday afternoon.
Yep. That’s what the last week has been like.
At least I assume it has.
Because what other reason could there be for the mind-boggling amount of venom that has been directed at Chrissie Swan and her parenting skills since last Wednesday when photos of Chrissie and her kids appeared in the Australian Women’s Weekly (you can read about that here)?
The entire country – including a twentyone-year-old Neighbours actress – has felt the need to tell Chrissie that she’s a shit mum because her three-year-old son Leo is over-weight.
How very, very helpful of us. No really. Hi-fives all round!
I have watched in horror over the past few days as people have written the most insulting and cruel things about Chrissie and her beautiful sons Leo and Kit.
Chrissie is a friend of mine. A dear friend. And aside from the fact that she’s hilarious and warm and compassionate and whip-smart, she’s also a terrific mum. The type of mum whose face lights up when her boys enter the room. The type of mum who bombards her Facebook feed with photos of them (sorry Chrissie but you do … seriously, you’re like the paparazzi to your own kids). The type of mum who is raising her sons to be compassionate, gentle, generous, hilarious, kind, curious kids.
But none of that matters apparently. Because Leo is over-weight.
Writing in the newspaper yesterday, Chrissie was painfully honest in talking about her denial over Leo’s weight and the role she has played:
I was put on my first diet at the age of 11. This involved turning up to group meetings with grown women in a church hall, slipping off my shoes and being publicly weighed. I was counting kilojoules and whipping skim milk into fluff, as a snack, before I had left primary school. I didn’t want anything like this for my son. But in my desire to avoid the demonisation of food and the low self-esteem it inevitably creates, I had unwittingly set my beautiful son on a rocky path.
It wasn’t until I took him to his first day of creche that I saw how different he was. The other kids seemed so small compared to my little sweetheart, whose shoes and pants were at least two sizes bigger. Mild panic set in. What happens if someone is mean to him? What happens when, after three years of being told he is magnificent, someone tells him otherwise, based on his weight? I could barely breathe.
Now not that it’s ANY of our business but is Chrissie doing something about Leo’s weight? Of course. The article goes on to say that Chrissie has since taken her little boy to a paediatric dietician and that the issue wasn’t that Leo was eating garbage food but that he was eating far too much healthy food (so, for example, Chrissie has had to learn portion sizes for fruit and that four bananas a day isn’t healthy.) Leo is now on the path to more appropriate meal sizes and healthy eating.
The end. No really – THE END. Except it’s not because now strangers are piling on to abuse Chrissie and her son Leo. Who is three-years-old. How much do you think Chrissie and her partner are beating themselves up about this? A lot. Here’s what Chrissie tweeted yesterday:
None of us are perfect parents. We stuff up. We make bad judgement calls. We think we’re doing the right thing by our kids and yet despite the best of intentions, we veer off course. We sometimes influence them in the worst ways rather than the best.
It’s called parenting. And we’re all just in it together trying our best.
Me included. Last week I realised that I could turn ABC for Kids on at any time of the day and my three-year-old Ava could immediately name the show AND the main characters. Yes, even Rastamouse. How did that happen? I let things slip, that’s how. So we’re back to strictly limiting her TV viewing time. And Rastafarian mice are no longer on the viewing schedule.
I’m not perfect. But, like Chrissie, I love my children and I’ll make sure I keep reassessing things along the way so that when we inevitably fall off track, we hop back on.
As for Mike and Carol Brady, well I’ll remind you that not even they got it right all the time. Greg stole a goat. Peter routinely told lies. Cindy was a total snitch. And Jan had such low self-esteem she started wearing a black curly wig just so she’d stand out.
Talk about bad parenting …

Chrissie first shot to fame in the 2003 series of Big Brother Australia.
Editor’s note: please be aware that Chrissie will be reading this post and the comments, even if she doesn’t reply. So bear that in mind if you decide to leave a comment. Any harsh, rude or offensive comments about Chrissie or her children will be deleted. Chrissie brought this issue out into the light by writing about it but we will not publish derogatory comments about children. Please be kind and compassionate.
Have a listen to Chrissie’s reply to her critics when she went on Mix 101.1.










Comments
707 Comments so far
I love Chrissie and all she stands for! A gorgeous mum and the reason I bought the Womens Weekly this month. Keep being you Chrissie and don’t change one bit!!
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Chrissie, you are a gem and so are your children. Stay strong and ignore the spiteful comments.
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Just wanted to add to the growing number of comments full of support for Chrissie and her family.
The boys look like darling cherubs to me. I picture their father to be a fairly tall, strapping fellow of a man. I’m betting these boys will grow up to be much the same. They will make you so proud, Chrissie, I’m sure.
I hope today was a much better day for you and tommorow better again.
Truly feel as though I ‘know’ you as you give so much to your audiences and I really wish you well. Cyber hugs for you and your family.
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I had no idea about the hideous outpouring following the AWW article until this morning. I had seen the cover and thought that Chrissie looked divine, and what a gorgeous, talented, warm and lovely woman she is. Then, I heard her on the radio this morning explaining the events that followed. I actually cried in the car thinking that such a clearly special person had been so hideously attacked. What on earth is happening with this world??!! I love the Internet (I mean, really love it!) but I think it has given people a licence to bully without any chance of punishment.
Chrissie, you’re gorgeous. Stay strong. Lots of love to you! xo
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Chrissie is a lovely lady who smiles her way through life and has to put up with people telling her how to be a parent.the kids look like they are healthy and happy unlike some who like to attack Chrissie
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Really adore Chrissie. Who ever would have expected her children would be petite? Mum and Dad are both large in stature. Leo and Kit both look like healthy boys. They are lucky to have parents that love them so much.
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Chrissie. Please know that for every critic, you have a supporter. You are so honest kind and funny. Values that you will no doubt give to your boys. Stay positive rise above it
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By the looks of these comments she has 100 supports for every critic. the bitchy ones are just louder.
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The first thing I thought when I quickly glanced at the photo was that Chrissie had a half-sleeve tattoo! When I look a second more thorough look I saw it was just the pattern on the end of the sleeve of her dress. Second thing I thought was they look like a happy, lovely little family. Cute kids Chrissie!
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Love , Love , Love Chrissie…She is Real.!!!. She is Honest …
She is not a fake plastic Barbie Doll , come Carol Brady Buncher ! Who is ??
She is not a puppet for anyone ..she seems to be her own women and ‘she is not backwards in saying what she thinks , thats what I love about Chrissie .
I dont know Chrissie at all, however I love listening to her on the Radio and I really enjoy listening to her warmth ,humour and honest accounts of her daily life just trying to be a good mum … . No one is perfect and no one should be held accountable for not being perfect !….
We need more Chrissie’s in this world ! Don’t you dare stop being you Chrissie….
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Like many others I have been totally shocked and appalled by some people’s need not only to judge but abuse, insult and be blatantly rude. Chrissie chose to share her private life with the nation, however, she could never have expected the reaction she received.
I’m not a viewer of The Circle. I don’t listen to Chrissie’s radio program. But I have the utmost respect for Chrissie Swan. That respect came from when late one evening, while locked down in the Big Brother compound she had the courage to stand up to a man who had repeatedly criticised and judged others. Who made comments about her weight, who spoke down to her and others. She impecably articulated how she felt and called him out. I’m sure when she was put in the house, the producers weren’t expecting her to be one of the finalists. Afterall, she didn’t fit “the mold”. But Australia fell in love with her because of her strength.
So Chrissie Swan, I challenge you to show that same strength and courage at this time. Hold your head high. Not only are you an intelligent, articulate, hilarious lady, but most importantly you are the mother of two goregeous young boys – your proudest achievement.
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I had completely forgotten about that! She was awesome then! I always did quite like her on BB
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Moral outrage over a celebrity’s chubby kid cracks me up. I mean, there are so many bigger issues we could all get excited about. By the by, he looks quite happy and cute.
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those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter, all the best Chrissie we all try to our best by our little blessings xoxoxox
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I have absolutely loved and adored Chrissie since Big Brother. Her beautiful character, compassion for others, intelligence and incredible charisma stood out and to me, she was exactly what you would want a best friend to be. Just listening and watching Chrissie has made me feel so happy and uplifted, even when I felt sad. Supportive, a rock, sunny, wise, honest and so much fun. Unfortunately people like Chrissie who are open, charming, have huge hearts and are sensitive souls…and female, are the targets of some very loud, unattractive (character wise), insecure, insensitive and uncaring individuals whose cruel, harsh and judgemental opinions get heard. There’s always a respectful and caring way to make a statement. And it is always important to acknowledge positives and good intentions. Anonomous, hurtful comments may be inspired by anger, predudice, envy and low self esteem. Some people, often choose to hurt and punish through thoughtless words. Putting others down temporarily distracts some people from their sadness and emptiness. A happy, nice person only wants the best for everyone and recognises good intention. Parenthood isn’t about perfection, no such thing, but learning, growing, listening, sacrificing, nurturing, loving, forgiving and starting again. If you were my parent Chrissie, I believe I would be blessed with love, laughter, fun and a lifetime of wonderful experiences. You’re smile is captivating. Keep being you. You are joyously inspiring and you’re darling children look so, so loved, secure and happy. Teach them to be true to themselves always. Will always love you Chrissie. Thank you for your authenticity and sweetness
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I want Chrissie Swan to be my aunty and my sister and my friend. And I want to play with her cute kids.
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A few years ago I decided to never ever judge other parents. Breastfeeing or bottle feeding – who am I to judge? Fat or skinny – who am I to judge? Hand holding or child harness – who am I to judge? Dummy or no dummy – who am I to judge? Stay at home mum or career mum – who am I to judge?
There are people doing REAL harm to their children everyday, here in Australia, let’s stand up for those children not a little boy who eats too many banana’s.
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I’ve mentioned on this site before my views on how our society is getting so judgemental of each others parenting & how I think something needs to be done to combat it (I don’t have the answers unfortunately). But just wanted to say how much I love Chrissie, and how she brightened many of my early days of parenting when I was stuck at home on the lounge breastfeeding my newborn (I only breastfed for 4 months FYI – judge away)! It is obvious to anyone that has watched/listened to Chrissie speak for more than 3 minutes how much she adores her boys, and at the end of the day, isn’t that all that matters? Your boys are gorgeous Chrissie, that Leo looks like a character (wonder where he gets that from?)! Chin up, try not to pay any attention to the nasty comments because there are a boatload of people that think you’re amazing. x
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Also, just wanted to note that I read the article yesterday & thought Chrissie made a great point. Many of us are fortunate enough and educated enough to be able to recognise a problem, seek professional help & afford it. Lots aren’t. Why do we not have access to enough nutritional information in this country & what can be done about it?
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Just putting it out there – There are plenty of people who eat crap and don’t exercise but are blessed with a fast metabolism and don’t put on weight. Chrissy got crap for having a chubby son. I highly doubt Chrissy eats crap all day and I bet she feeds her son similar stuff to everyone else.
Her family looks lovely and happy. That’s what matters!
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Chrissie is brave, passionate and has changed her life so that her kids are number one. I will definitely be taking some tips from her and her perspectives. She rocks and her family are blessed to have her. That is all.
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I looked at that magazine while I was queuing at the supermarket last week and actually thought that it was refreshing to see someone realistic on the cover!
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I have always loved Chrissie Swan, I watched her in Big Brother all those years back!
I’m really upset that she’s got so much flak from internet warriors – her and her sons are just truly divine looking and happy. I love this post, Bec. Keep on keepin’ on Chrissie!! xxxx
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Have all the haters forgotten that Chrissie recently gave up her high profile role as a co-host on The Cirlce at the peak of her success so she could spend more time with her babies? Who else would do this?
Chrissie obviously adores her children and should not be bullied like this by individuals who don’t know her or her children.
Keep your chin up Chrissie, this will blow over, you have your beautiful boys and a legion of fans who think you’re fabulous!
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I saw the photos and they are gorgeous the boys look adorable and Chrissie should be proud of the way she is raising her children. Why do women insist on been such hard judgemental critics when we all know not only do we all struggle at some stage with weight and self esteem issues but parenting is the hardest job in the world. I feel so unbelievably sad that this has happened and every single person that said a bad thing should be ashamed of themselves. Chrissie is a beautiful role model to so many people I would hate for that to change because some people feel they need to voice such untrue hurtful things. Get a life and let chrissie continue to be a great/loving parent.
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Chrissie is beautiful, her kids are absolutely beautiful and so so cute, why oh why do people have to be so cruel? Seriously I think people that say nasty things like this just blow my mind. Wtf!!
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It always helps to read an article before commenting. She is actually doing something about it. From a Skinny Mother with Skinny Kids.
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I thought it was a really informative article and actually as a parent useful information – in that she learnt from the professionals that feeding your children too much of things that most of us think of as healthy – like bananas can actually cause them to become overweight in the longer term.
Good on you Chrissy,and despite this please keep being honest because that is a very rare thing in today’s over-spun, unreal world. That’s part of what makes you very special and unique. (As well as the fact you are v spunky and a great writer and obviously a great Mum).x
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I read the article in the paper yesterday ( not knowing about the vitriol she has been subject to)and thought I’d like to write a letter to the Age to say that I thought Chrissie Swan was terribly brave ( not to mention smart) to acknowledge her son’s problem and deal with it. ( Now hopefully she will read my comment here) Now that’s responsible parenting. How dare people pass judgment on the parenting skills of people they don’t know. Parents are so harsh on each other.
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I know some of the comments must hurt Chrissy Swan but I think the majority of people who know or know of Chrissy will support her and realize that these comments come from bullies and people who think they know better. I think she is fabulous and would have her as a friend anytime. Just remember that her children will know about the attacks on their mum one day and they may blame themselves for this. Shame on you
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I purchased the magazine because Chrissy was on the front cover. I love her!!! She is a smart, beautiful, funny and obviously very loving mum. Some people are so nasty it makes me sick. Keep up the great work Chrissy we all love you!!!
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So glad my first ever mmia post is for this – Chrissie you are warm, kind, smart and completely loveable. Your boys are blessed to have you as their Mum. End of story.
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Every little person should be lucky enough to have Chrissie as their Mum. Warm, loving and so loving and caring of her beautiful boys and the Chippie. I’ve never met you Chrissie, but I feel as though you are my friend and I hurt for you.
Love ya Chrissie.
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When I opened up this article and saw the photo of Chrissy and her kids, my first thought was “omg, cutie poohs!”. I had no idea what the article was about. When I started reading, and found out all the horrible things people had been saying, I cried. Once again, we’ve turned something lovely and positive into a big, ugly, negative mess. This world is too cruel for me. Chrissy, you are beautiful, and so are your gorgeous babies. The best thing you can give your kids is love and attention, and with those two things, the rest works itself out.
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There’s no point in bagging out parents for the choices they make while raising their children. Most try to do their best with what they know and learn a lot along the way. It’s a hit and miss experience that you eventually hope will result in a happy, healthy adult. This will be your parenting legacy. Not the ups and downs along the way.
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There will always be “the perfect parents”, who have nothing better than to criticise others. Growing up both my sister and I were “underweight” There is just as many skinny jokes as fat jokes!
We were feed good food, and lots of it, we had huge appetites, with our Italian background it was all about the food, you eat and eat and eat. But we never put on weight! My parents were accused of not feeding us!!! Have you ever told an Italian Papa, you don’t feed your kids!!
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Heart goes out to Chrissy for having to endure horrible comments. You are the best Mum there is for your boys and society ain’t the judge. Sorry you have had to cop any kind of judgment – shame on people.
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Did you not even read the article?? Chrissie has already done something about it. She has been to a paediatrician and has worked out that portion control rather than ‘content’ of food is the issue. She isn’t allowing her children to be overweight, as evidenced by the fact that she took action as soon as she noticed a problem.
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As an overweight mother, with an overweight 19 year old, a 15 year old who is not only overweight but autistic and a 6 year old who won’t anything but junk food but is as skinny as a whip….I’m not about to tell anybody on how they should parent their own kids, some people really need to A) get a life, B) grow up, C) look at the real world or D) all of the above…… Seriously people, try reading the full article before jumping to that conclusion.
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You sound like such a gorgeous mumma Chrissie. Those kids sound like they are growing up in a warm, engaging, loving, healthy and compassionate house. There needs to be more mums in the world like you. Your children are so lucky to be growing up with you as their mother.
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It is shameful enough that members of our society are prepared to publicly criticize adults about their weight. The fact that people are prepared to make cruel comments about a 3 year old just astounds me.
I am so sick of morons who keep citing the “strain on the public health system” as their excuse for making rude and hateful judgement on people’s weight. The greatest strain on the health system is caring for the elderly. One day they may be be old and vulnerable, I wonder if they will expect to be told that it’s their own fault for living so long, they should have been thinking of the taxpayers.
If you’re the kind of person who puts out negativity like that you are bound to attract meanness in return.
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That’s my huge beef as well – I hate it when people use the “drain on public health” argument – it’s just an excuse to be judgemental about people’s weight. I’m sure their negativity and often downright nastiness has a far worse effect on societies wellbeing than people who are overweight!
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I am a huge fan of Chrissies’s and feel for her as a mother having her parenting and children so publicly critisied. I am concered when any kind of unhealthy behavior is normalised. It is not ok to be extremely under or overweight. Obesity in particular has a huge cost to our society and to the lives people are able live, it is not ok. Chrissies’s family obviously have some areas they are wanting to improve (my family has too) but they deserve support and undertanding.
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Betsy – off topic but I LOVE your name!
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Chrissie, So brave of you to openly speak out about your personal family & any concerns you may have… This however does not give sad nasty people the right to pass judgement & make you out to be a horrible parent. I love your honesty & most honest parents will really value your openness & ability to speak about ‘taboo’ subjects! Your an amazing REAL mum!! & we love it!! THANK YOU! For showing all those ‘FAKE PERFECT’ parents what real parenting is all about xxx I not perfect, but I’m a mum of four who like Chrissie would do anything to benefit my babes! I’m sorry that there are such nasty judgemental people out there that feel the need to attack others for their own ego! Sad, sad, sad.
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Wake up to yourself Kaz, chrissies son is a little bit chubby, he is by no means “shockingly fat”
You are disgusting to say that about a child. Being a little overweight is completely different to smoking!!
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I was shocked when I saw him so I would say that he is shockingly fat and I think the majority of the public would agree (I don’t think the mammamia readers are a good representation of the public so no need to rebut my comment by using them).
An obese person costs the health department more than smokers so I think making that comparison is justified.
Let’s stop living in a world of sunshine and rainbows and start living in reality.
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I think “Kaz” is a troll, same person perhaps as “Rainbow” and who knows who else, using other people’s established MM names to say nasty things.
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Sorry Mrs R, you’re wrong (about the smoking bit). Obesity costs Australia billions of dollars each year (google it). Obesity is often preventable, it is a lifestyle disease, it has a high health cost and an increased mortality rate. Being overweight in that respect is a lot like smoking.
Recent studies suggest that the cost of health care for the obese has surpassed the cost of caring for smokers. As the number of smokers decline (or die out) obesity is becoming the next most expensive health problem society faces today. Obesity is implicated in many major diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes etc etc.
Uncontrolled weight gain is a very dangerous thing, and the longer you leave it, the more damage it does to your body and the harder it is to fix.
Chrissie’s kids are cute, no doubt about it, but carrying extra weight puts you at risk of all sorts of nasty diseases that might be avoidable.
If you’d like to find out some more health facts about being overweight google is a great place to start, but I’d recommend talking to your GP or other primary health care professional. The options don’t all involve taking pills or becoming a gym junkie, there’s other approaches you can take, and it’s not about losing your identity either – it’s about prolonging your life and improving your health.
The sooner you bring your weight under control, the sooner you start to reduce your risks.
All the best to Chrissie and family – I’m sure it’s not easy being in the spotlight.
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Just like to say, I used to post under “Kaz” until this troll-like person started using it to say things I wouldn’t…maybe a coincidence but I think Rainbow has had something similar.
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Tracey Grimshaw rocks. Love what she said tonight. It is bullying.
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Much like the bullying ACA do most weeks in the pursuit of a story right???
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I dont think so, often this sort of show is the only opportunity marginalised people have to get a fair go. They dont have the intelligence or the means to stand up for themselves so going to these sorts of shows and highlighting their problems or injustice is their only hope.
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I’m disgusted as are so many others with the cheap shots being taken at Chrissie and her gorgeous family. What gives these lowlifes the right to comment on HER children and the way that she is raising them. It would so wonderful to see this kind of response when it’s reported in the news that another child has been abused or neglected.To help children who actually are in trouble and need someone to be their advocate.
I think that Chrissie is a wonderful role model and I wish that there were more women like her in our media. Chin up Chrissie, I think your bloody fabulous!
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Nothing worse then people judging other peoples parenting. It drives me insane!!! Everyone should just shut up and mind their own business!!!
Being a parent is very very tough!! I made mistakes everyday, I feel guilty everyday but everyday I’m here for my kids.
So chrisssie gives her son to much fruit… Let’s focus on real problems!!! I read today that a mother was drunk and left her new born baby on the roof of her car!! THAT’S a mother that should be talked about. Not one that’s trying her best to do the right thing!!
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I expressed my love to Chrissie directly via twitter (as many of us have), & I have lost all respect for Ashleigh Brewer (AND IM A NEIGHBOURS TRAGIC!) the moment she weighed in on a private issue she has “assumably” no experience on. She should apologise.
All my love and support to Chrissie during this shit storm, but the above and bellow comments only show a small percentage of the love and care Australia has for the fabulous Chrissie Swan.
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Chrissy comes across as a loving, fully present mother. She walked away from an amazing job to be a mother. If there is anything she is guilty of it is trying to give her sons the childhood she didn’t experience. One free of judgement and the freedom to see that what you put in your mouth does not equal to who you are. She has said to today she knows the score and is fully aware of her sons health. Leave her Alone to continue being the parent that the boys clearly deserve and adore.
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When my kids were little, they were underweight according to the growth charts. We saw the doctor etc and did what they told us to do and now they are still on the smaller side but within the normal range. A the time I was really upset but my mum said to ‘don’t worry about it, everyone will tell you your kids are too skinny when they are babies, and then they’ll tell you they are too fat when they go to school’. It’s true, you can’t win! Chrissy is awesome and she’s doing everything she can for her boys. That’s all anyone can ask of her.
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I’d love to know where i can get a copy of this parenting manual that apparently so many people out there have… you know the one that tells you how to raise your children the right way…Perfectly. I didn’t get my copy ;o)
You are a great Mum Chrissie, don’t let anyone tell you any different. Big Love
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What ever happenned to puppy fat. All of a sudden kids that are a little pudgy have a weight problem. I was a chubby kid and turned out to be a size 6 teenage girl. My mother didn’t overfeed me, I was just a chubby kid and allowed to be. We also never had bad food in my house as my mum was a stickler for healthy food.
The women commenting on chrissie Swans parenting need to look inward. None of us are perfect. How about we cut some slack to fellow mothers and support rather than vilify.
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I’d just like to add that the skinniest of my children eats 5 or 6 bananas a day, if he can, plus porridge with honey for breakfast, 2 or three pitta pats (small ones) for lunch (with nuffing on) plus meat and veggies for tea.
He’s just skinny – he takes after my husband’s side of the family which is extremely tall, but gracile.
His younger brother weighs as much as him at 18 months younger, has bigger feet, and eats much, much less…. He takes after my maternal Grandmother’s heavy boned side of the family….
The sooner we all work out that the determiner here is genetics, not willpower, the kinder we will all be to one another.
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