“Mommy, do you wish you were fit?” My 8-year-old daughter posed this question, and it completely took me by surprise. I had never expressed a desire to be “fit,” but her inquiry didn’t entirely catch me off guard. After all, she sees me working out and discussing nutrition, and her father is also involved in the wellness industry.
As I looked into her curious eyes, I knew the answer I wanted to give. I am raising three young daughters, and it’s important to me that they grow up without body image issues or feelings of inadequacy. I want them to appreciate their health and respect their bodies, while also ensuring they are respected by others.
My hope is for my daughters to prioritize their well-being throughout their lives, striving to be the best versions of themselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They may not remember the number of pushups I could do or how fast I ran a 5K, and the size of my clothes will fade from their memories. However, they will remember their mom as a strong, fierce individual who believed in herself even when others didn’t.
Through the tough times, when quitting seemed easier, I want them to remember that I pushed through. I want them to look back and say, “Because of my mom, I never gave up.”
So, without any hesitation, I leaned down and met her gaze with confidence. “So, Mommy… do you?”
“No, sweetie. Mommy wants to be strong!”
Instantly, she wrapped her arms around me and whispered, “Then I want to be strong too.”
By fostering this mindset, I hope to inspire her and my other daughters to embrace their strength and health. For more insights on parenting and wellness, you can check out this article on our blog here. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit is a great option. For further information about pregnancy, News Medical is an excellent resource.
In summary, my daughter’s question prompted me to reflect on the values I wish to instill in her and her sisters—strength, health, and resilience over societal standards of beauty.