Today, I did something I promised myself I wouldn’t do: I stepped on the scale in front of my daughter. It was a mindless act; I tapped the scale to activate it, tossed aside my pajamas, and stepped up—only to catch a glimpse of her curious eyes watching me.
Oh no, I thought.
Before she arrived, I vowed never to pass on my body image insecurities to my little girl. I envisioned a future where we would celebrate our bodies as incredible vessels, using words like “strong” and “capable” instead of “skinny” and “pretty.” I aimed to break the cycle of body shame by demonstrating self-love, no matter my shape. But, as life often does, things got complicated.
In the whirlwind of motherhood, I lost track of my intentions. Countless sleepless nights, diaper changes, and laundry loads took their toll. As I struggled with my post-baby body, I found myself making comments like, “Mommy used to fit into these jeans,” while battling a stubborn zipper or “Before you came along, sweetheart, I had a waist,” as I rummaged through the wrinkled pile of clothes. I accidentally conveyed that my body was something to be scrutinized or compared.
Then this morning happened. I hopped onto the scale as if it were just another routine, something I had been doing since my twenties when a less-than-pleasant boyfriend had told me I was “too fat” (real charmer, right?). But those innocent eyes watching me made me pause.
You see, to you, I’m perfect. My tired, sagging skin is a cozy blanket, and my soft belly was your safe haven for ten months. You don’t care about the numbers on that scale or the tag in my jeans; you think I’m great (at least until you hit those teenage years!).
And I think you’re perfect too. I admire your bright smile and swift legs as you navigate this world. I see you fighting to master your remarkable body, and I feel your joy when you finally reach a toy that seemed just out of grasp.
So today, instead of pretending I don’t struggle with body image—something I clearly can’t do—I’m choosing to be honest. I’ll explain to you that the world can be harsh toward women regarding their appearance. Cruel people will try to convince us that our worth is tied to our looks, but I’ll also make it clear that this is utterly wrong. Those who objectify women don’t deserve our attention. Everyone—regardless of gender, size, or color—has the right to exist freely and be valued for who they are, not how they look.
Instead, I’ll show you a world filled with kindness, where people uplift one another rather than tear each other down. We’ll celebrate each other’s victories and support one another through challenges, focusing on what truly matters—how we treat others and what we have to say.
Yes, I still grapple with the pressure to conform to society’s unrealistic standards. But I refuse to hide this struggle from you. So, here’s my new promise: I’ll be honest about my feelings. I’ll admit that while I’m a strong, capable woman, the pressure can be overwhelming. And I’ll show you that real beauty is about kindness, intelligence, and strength—not an arbitrary number.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you watch me take a sledgehammer to that scale someday.
For more insights on navigating motherhood and body image, check out this post and explore the importance of fertility with these supplements. Additionally, if you’re curious about intrauterine insemination, this resource is an excellent read.
In summary, the journey of motherhood is filled with unexpected challenges, including how we view our bodies. It’s important to maintain open conversations about body image and self-worth with our children, fostering a positive environment for them to thrive.