Living with a house full of boys is quite the adventure! Luckily, they’re still young enough that I haven’t yet discovered any hidden stash of magazines or accidental clicks on questionable websites — thank goodness for small favors. I’d like to think that my kids will remain blissfully unaware of anything remotely sexual until they’re well into their twenties, but let’s be honest, that ship has probably sailed.
Before they dive into the world of glamorous images of women with perfect bodies — you know, the kind that resemble round melons and airbrushed perfection — I’m making it a point to introduce them to a different perspective: my own body.
Our household isn’t exactly a model of modesty. While I don’t parade around in the nude, I’m not shy about changing clothes in front of them or leaving the bathroom door ajar when I shower. I nurse my little ones without a cover, all in an effort to show them what a real female body looks like. If I let them only see the unrealistic images plastered across magazines or the silver screen, what kind of expectations will they have as they grow up? More importantly, how could any woman possibly meet those standards?
Let’s be real; I’m not thrilled with my post-baby physique. However, for the sake of my sons (and their future partners), I put on a brave face and project confidence. When they ask about my stretch marks, I proudly explain that they are like badges of honor from growing them. (Trust me, gaming analogies resonate with boys of all ages.)
Even though it’s hard not to cringe when they poke at my squishy belly, I let them explore. Deep down, I want to shout, “Don’t touch my fat!” and cover up in layers of oversized shirts. But right now, my body is their only frame of reference for what women look like. To them, it’s perfect and that’s a wonderful thing.
I tell them about the strength of my body, and they witness me exercising and making healthy food choices, all while enjoying my guilty pleasure of baked treats. Although I might internally struggle with tight jeans and the scale, I always maintain pride in my body when they’re around. It’s essential to foster a positive body image, and this isn’t just for daughters. Boys need to grow up feeling confident in their own skin, and they should appreciate real beauty in the women they encounter.
I refuse to convey the message that sagging skin or a little extra flab is something to be ashamed of. I want them to understand that typical bodies — the ones with stretch marks and curves — are the norm, not the digitally altered versions they’ll see everywhere else.
Of course, there will come a time when I’ll need to cover up around them. I’m sure I’ll eventually hear, “Mom, seriously, put some clothes on!” and they’ll learn to knock before barging into the bathroom. But until that day comes, I’ll let them marvel at my stretch marks and giggle at the way my butt jiggles when I grab a towel.
As they grow older, I hope to instill a seed of acceptance so that when their future partners express insecurities about their bodies, my sons can reassure them, “You’re beautiful just the way you are.” And they’ll genuinely mean it.
For anyone interested in more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from March of Dimes. Also, if you’re looking for information on self insemination, consider checking out this article on intracervical insemination.
Summary
In a world filled with unrealistic beauty standards, one mother is dedicated to showing her sons the beauty of real bodies, starting with her own. By embracing her post-baby figure and promoting body positivity, she aims to cultivate a healthy perception of women’s bodies in her sons. Her approach highlights the importance of confidence, acceptance, and the understanding that real-life bodies come in all shapes and sizes.