I was initially afraid of having girls (in part) because of issues like self-esteem, weight, body-image, beauty etc. I think I was mostly afraid of the responsibility that would fall on me as their mother to teach, model, and empower where these issue are concerned, especially since I fight battles of my own in some of these areas. I have since turned a corner and now see that responsibility as one of my highest callings as their mother - and I'm up for it.
Yesterday I read a really great post at Rage Against The Minivan that makes me feel more empowered as a mother of girls. The post is called tips for preventing eating disorders in children If you have, or care about a little girl this is definitely worth a read.
These tips are short and sweet and memorable and spell S-M-I-L-E.
S - slow M - movies I - individuals L - love E - empower
All of this originally came from a blog at Rewrite Beautiful.
Here is a highlight of two of my favorite points...
S – Slow
From birth through their teenage years children are sculpting their values by modeling the behavior of their parents and care givers. If children are exposed to complaints about weight, wrinkles or the way jeans fit, they are going to become concerned over the same things. Slow down before voicing insecurity’s around children. Let your child’s caregiver know that eating disorders are at an all-time high and you would like them on your team as a positive, confident role model for your child.
L – Love
Children mimic our conversations. We show children through our conversations with others, “I LOVE Tracey’s new hair!” and “I LOVE Chloe’s new car”. Making it equally important for us to verbalize what we “LOVE” about other people’s behavior. Children need to hear, “I LOVE how Jackie loves on her animals” Or “I LOVE how Jasmine donates her dental services to kids who don’t have a dentist.” When kids hear this dialogue they will try to fit the mold of your ‘LOVING’.
CLICK HERE to read all five points from the post.
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| Picture from Rewrite Beautiful Website. |
