One day, my 8-year-old daughter, Lily, posed a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Mom, do you want to be thin?” Her inquiry took me by surprise. I’ve never expressed a desire to be “thin,” but I understand why she asked. She often sees me exercising and discussing healthy eating, and with my partner working in the health industry, it’s a part of our daily life.
As I gazed into her eager eyes, I knew I needed to respond thoughtfully. I have three daughters, and it’s crucial for me to raise them without the burden of poor body image or a constant comparison to others. I never want them to feel as though they need to aspire to someone else’s ideal figure.
What I truly want for my girls is to appreciate their health. I want them to respect their bodies and demand that respect from others. My hope is that they prioritize their well-being throughout their lives, striving to become the best versions of themselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In the long run, my children won’t remember how many push-ups I could do or how quickly I ran a race. They won’t recall my dress size or the fleeting numbers on a scale. But they will remember their mom as a strong, determined individual who believed in herself, especially during challenging times.
I want them to look back and think, “Because of my mom, I never gave up.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I leaned down and looked firmly into Lily’s eyes. “So, Mommy… do you?” she asked again.
“No, sweetheart. Mommy wants to be strong!”
In that moment, she embraced me tightly and whispered, “Then I want to be strong too.”
This experience underscored the importance of focusing on health over appearance. For more insights on fostering a positive mindset about body image and health, check out this blog post here. If you’re on a fertility journey, consider visiting Make A Mom for reliable at-home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, the World Health Organization offers a wealth of information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s vital to instill a sense of strength and health in our children, allowing them to grow up with confidence and a positive body image.
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