On raising beautiful girls
My friend G told me several years ago that she had made a decision early in her daughter's life never to complain about her own weight or body image in front of her daughter. I thought it was so wise at the time, and now that I have a little girl I think it even more so. No matter how frustrating the post-partum figure might be, or the frustration of having fun clothes that aren't fun to wear because they don't fit right - I'm trying to shield my daughter from all that. I don't want her to learn self-deprecation from her Mama. And she has a Daddy who will, not doubt, tell her she is precious and beautiful throughout her growing years.
This week, though, I have been stunned to realize that this business of raising a daughter with a healthy conception of beauty is a many-headed monster, and that "far or thin doesn't matter" and "you're beautiful to us" are only aiming at two heads of this Medusa.
Because, you see, every time I dress my daughter - I pronounce her cute. Read the rest here.
This week, though, I have been stunned to realize that this business of raising a daughter with a healthy conception of beauty is a many-headed monster, and that "far or thin doesn't matter" and "you're beautiful to us" are only aiming at two heads of this Medusa.
Because, you see, every time I dress my daughter - I pronounce her cute. Read the rest here.
posted by Bronwyn at 1:31 pm
4 Comments:
Bron,this is just SUCH a brilliant post! What you have said here is so true, and I think we as moms should all be thinking carefully through the messages we give our kids! So much to think and pray about! Thanks! Hayley
What an incredibly WISE post, Bronwyn. I greatly appreciate this message, and will really meditate on it...especially in light of my daughter to be born in June!!
A great post Bronwyn! So very true. It reminds me of a convo I was having about pride with my older bookclub. It requires careful thinking about the words we use in our praise of our kids so as not to feed pride but rather show appreciation and ultimately contribute to building a biblical view of achievement, talent and even good looks. I think your statement ideas are great! I hope I remember them too. One to add - "isn't God wonderful? He has given us so many blessings / wonderful things to bless others with. I'm glad he gave you such a happy smile(/insert aspect) because it makes me happy to see it every day!"
Thanks for this post Bron, not just about how to speak about your own body and your daughter's but also about how to think about it. It has inspired me to listen to what I say about myself, my children and others. After all we are all wonderfully and fearfully made. Thanks again
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