The other day, I found myself at Old Navy with my daughters, Emma and Lily, as they eagerly tried on a variety of clothes—dresses, shirts, skirts, and pants. Our routine was familiar: grab a bunch of outfits, head to the dressing area, and watch the girls emerge one by one, as if strutting down the world’s most prestigious fashion runway. In previous visits, I loved showering them with compliments and relished their delight as they twirled in front of the mirror. But this time was different.
Emma, now seven years old, is bright, tall, strong, and undeniably beautiful. However, she’s also becoming increasingly aware of the world around her, despite our best efforts to protect her from it. When she stepped out of the dressing room and twirled, there was no smile this time. Instead, she glanced in the mirror and with a frown, quietly spelled out, “This dress makes me look F-A-T.” In that moment, it hit me hard: Emma had crossed a threshold where her self-image would never again be untainted by societal perceptions.
We talked about why the dress didn’t fit the way she wanted. I suggested we try adding a belt to accentuate her waist. Luckily, a kind dressing room attendant overheard us and offered to fetch a few belts for us to try. Emma’s mom also helped her pick out more outfits, and they ended up trying on a few more options. In the end, Emma found a couple of adorable dresses that any seven-year-old would love.
However, this shopping trip meant much more than just finding a cute dress. After seven years of instilling the belief that she is beautiful inside and out, no matter what anyone else thinks, I couldn’t help but feel that our message had taken a hit in that dressing room. With a constant barrage of images from TV, magazines, and music videos showcasing unrealistic body standards—coupled with my own struggles with weight—it’s no wonder my little girl began to scrutinize her own appearance.
But it doesn’t make it right.
As we navigate the complexities of parenting and body image, it’s crucial to create a nurturing environment where self-love flourishes. For insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. If you’re interested in the topic of home insemination, you can explore more about it here. For a great selection of self-insemination kits, visit this authority on the subject here.
In summary, our trip to Old Navy was a stark reminder of the challenges that come with raising daughters in a world obsessed with appearance. It’s vital that we continue to encourage our children to embrace their unique beauty, both inside and out.