wish you more

I came across a post today that confirmed why I have a rule I have in my home.  With a daughter, S,  who is about to turn 5, I am very conscious of ANY comments I make around her in regards to physical appearances.  I don’t say that makeup makes me feel pretty (I just say that ladies like to use it for fun); although I’m not at my ideal weight, I don’t talk about feeling “fat”; and, I don’t use the word “diet” – instead if I’m watching what I eat, I call it an “extra healthy eating plan.”

The post above made me sad. I worry so much for my daughter – that she will learn, through peers, that some people define themselves through physical appearances. I dread the day that she comes home and worries about being fat or not pretty enough and wants something to change about how she looks. She is, in my eyes, absolutely perfect. But I know that as girls grow older, it is bound to happen.

I had a relative in my house a couple of months ago talking about how they felt fat – and I pulled them aside to let them know that I’d appreciate it if they didn’t talk like that around S. I think she thought I might be a bit overprotective, but knowing how early girls start picking up on things like this I want to be careful.

I hope S never loses that free spirited, carefree, eager-to-put-on-a-bathing-suit-and-run-through-the-sprinkler type of personality. But, I know it will change and insecurities will set in. I just hope it is later rather than sooner, so as long as I can control the conversations in my home I will.