Parenting Insights
What You Might Overlook When You Eye That “Fit Mom”
by Jenna Davis
She can feel your gaze, sweeping over her lithe figure that society deems “ideal.” The slight curl of your lips, hinting at disdain or maybe jealousy, doesn’t go unnoticed. You quickly avert your eyes when she meets your stare, but it’s too late; she knows what you think.
To you, she’s just another one of those “too-skinny moms,” the subject of countless social media jabs and snarky blog posts. She’s the punchline, the target for envy and bitterness, a convenient scapegoat for those seeking to feel better about themselves.
But there’s so much more beneath the surface.
You see her toned arms, the definition of muscles rippling as she bends to pick up her child. What you don’t see is the endless cycle of numbers that churns in her mind—all those push-ups, calories, and the few crumbs of a cookie she allows herself to indulge in from her kid’s plate. Everything is counted, except what truly matters.
You notice her slim waist, perched above those vaguely protruding hips. But you’re blind to the turmoil within her, where self-doubt and insecurity fester. You don’t see her slipping her fingers under her shirt, pinching at nonexistent love handles, wishing for a kinder self-image.
You recognize a “runner’s body,” sun-kissed cheeks, and a healthy glow. But what you miss is the inner narrative telling her she needs to outrun the shadows of her past, the whispers that she’s never “enough.” You don’t see the anxiety that grips her after a missed workout, or the fleeting relief that comes after a long run when physical pain distracts from emotional anguish.
You see a mom who seemingly shed the baby weight in a flash, someone who appears untouched by the challenges of motherhood. What you don’t know is that she endured years of heartache, grappling with infertility, and the harsh reality of a body she struggles to love, even as it nurtures her children.
You see the perfect “fit mom,” but she questions her worthiness as a parent every single day. You admire her dedication to exercise, but you’re unaware of the panic that sets in if she fails to rise before dawn to fit in her routine.
You spot the c-section scar on her flat belly, but overlook the emotional scars that linger from a past eating disorder, resurfacing when she least expects it. You watch her engage with her kids at the park, laughing as she runs after them, but you don’t see the dark thoughts that sometimes intrude, making her feel guilty for not fully enjoying the moment.
You think she’s lucky, never worrying about fitting into a bikini at the beach. You don’t see her tears in front of the mirror, trying on countless swimsuits, feeling defeated by each one that seems to highlight her flaws.
You see a size zero, but she feels anything but on the inside. You notice the heads she turns, unaware that she sometimes wishes she could blend into the background.
So, as you look at her body, ask yourself: Are you really seeing her?
For more insights on fertility and home insemination, check out this informative post on Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in the ins and outs of at-home insemination, Make A Mom is a fantastic resource. Additionally, for those considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers excellent support and information.
In summary, the “fit mom” you see isn’t just a figure; she’s a complex individual with her own struggles, insecurities, and triumphs. So next time you glance her way, try to see the whole person.