Moms, we walk a fine line. We want to demonstrate self-love to our children. We know our children are beautiful and we want them to know it too.
But what if we want to make superficial changes to our bodies? What kind of message does that send to our kids?
Love the Body You Have
No matter where you live, getting work done – we should just love the body we have. Except our bodies change so much after we have children and go through so much in the process of aging.
But kids do not understand this. They only see the message “mom got work done, she wasn’t happy with her body. What is wrong with my body? Should I get work done too?”
It is those doubts, those thoughts of self-criticism that can be so harmful to adolescents.
Wait to Get the Work
I think, personally, waiting until the children are grown to get any kind of work done might be the best idea. Then they are old enough to relate to you on a more mature level.
Do not think I am criticizing anyone that does any of this though! It’s your decision, your happiness, and you know your kids best. Not every child thinks the same way.
Make Your Happy
Exercising produces endorphins, so doing it to combat feelings of lethargy and feeling “blah” can also lead to feeling better about your body. That is what I try to do – but haven’t lately. I always feel so much better when I work out, even if I don’t really lose the weight.
What makes you happy? How much does physical appearance actually matter when it comes to overall self-worth?
I think all women have issues a little with how they look at least at one point. In the last two years I have gained a few pounds and now I am trying to take it off. In the end we all need to be happy with what God gave us! We are built the way we are for a reason. I wish I could always remember that.
I so agree with you. Exercise make such a difference in how I think.
I want to look good and feel good. Healthy food choices and exercise help me do that but I would get a breast aug if I had some extra cash laying around.
I love to excersize. I have 4 kids when I went back to work – my oldest daughter had the toughest time – I think I did way too much for them. They were not independent
I can see where it could send a message of confusion to kids about not accepting themselves. If they’re going through adolescence, it could really impact them.
appearances matter, but does not make up my self-worth. I do try to incorporate exercise as a family, so it’s more about staying healthy – not thin.
I don’t really lose weight, but I love to exercise, too. It makes me feel good about myself.
I am right in the middle of this. There are days I love my body, there are days when I wish I had a leaner, fitter physique. I need to get out more and exercise, but work stresses me out so much that all I want to do is curl up in bed and sleep.