In an inspiring response to negative comments on her social media posts, Tessa Hayes is serving a vital reminder to mothers everywhere: a mother’s worth is not determined by her size but by her love and care for her children. Despite this fundamental truth, some individuals still feel the need to spread harmful messages, highlighting a need for a reminder of self-acceptance among moms.
Recently, Tessa shared a touching moment on Instagram with her adorable youngest son, Noah. However, not everyone reacted positively. Along with the sweet photo, she also showcased a series of hurtful comments she received in response to her family images. One particularly distressing comment read, “You’re going to die and miss seeing him grow up.” Others went so far as to question her love for her child based on her appearance, with remarks like, “Your child should be enough reason for you to take care of yourself.” Another commenter even made a nasty remark about her body, asking, “Do you disinfect your rolls from fungal growth?”
Instead of retaliating, Tessa chose to take the high road. She expressed her frustration beautifully: “Imagine wanting to share photos of my child, only to be told I’m unfit as a mother because of my size. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, regardless of our weight, and I know that if I were to pass away unexpectedly, my children would understand how much they were loved and how strong their mom was.” She also included the hashtag #effyourbeautystandards, promoting her initiative aimed at empowering individuals of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies.
Following her initial post, Tessa uploaded a sweet video of her and Noah, recounting a bedtime conversation where he affectionately touched her stomach and said, “I like your belly.” She wrote, “Every time he says this, it makes me smile. To him, my ‘squishy’ belly is perfect, and it serves as a reminder that all bodies are valid and beautiful.”
Tessa’s experience highlights several important points. While it’s easy to wish ill upon those who body-shame or conflate weight with parenting abilities, it’s crucial to remember that hurtful individuals often carry their own pain. It’s possible to feel empathy for those who lash out, as they may be struggling with their own issues. Nevertheless, it’s essential for society to recognize the damaging impact of body-shaming rhetoric, especially among women who should support one another.
On a positive note, Tessa’s journey serves as an ongoing reminder of the significance of self-love. Whether you’re a new mom grappling with the changes in your body or just someone learning to accept yourself, it’s vital to give yourself grace. Although the world may not always reciprocate that kindness, you can become a beacon of positivity and acceptance.
For additional insights on motherhood and self-acceptance, check out this related post on home insemination. For expert advice on navigating fertility journeys, visit Make A Mom. Lastly, for more research on fertility, Science Daily is an excellent resource.
In summary, Tessa Hayes’ experience underscores the importance of self-acceptance and the harmful effects of body-shaming. It serves as a reminder to all mothers that their worth is defined by their love and dedication, not by societal standards of appearance.