I see articles everyday from women talking about how they don’t want their daughters to learn their horrible habits. Whether it be their bad eating and exercise habits or their obsessive behavior to stay thin at all costs.
There was an article about a woman who weighed herself every morning and she realized that she didn’t want her daughter to inherit her same self worth issues. There was another who wrote about how real beauty has nothing to do with jean size and all to do with the person inside. There was a woman who struggled with how to tell her daughter about her past eating disorders.
My question is why does it take women having kids to realize their worth? One woman wrote how for the first time she was putting value on herself and expecting things from other people. I think of all the other women and mothers who never manage to love themselves as much as they love their children and what that actually teaches their children.
We all want to do what’s best for our kids. I’m in many mom groups and read many articles. I see comments all the time with nothing but judgement of how other mothers are raising their kids. How all moms should breastfeed. Only organic healthy food… and all of this sounds GREAT! I know that was my plan in the beginning… so then why is childhood diabetes on the rise?
We need to look at our own habits. Our kids will eat what we eat… regardless of what we tell them. The same moms saying they will only feed their kids healthy fruits and veggies are the same moms stopping at Starbucks and McDonalds because they’re too busy.. or need a boost.
As women and mothers we have to start putting ourselves and our health first early.. and teach through example. I don’t know anyone who wants to die an early death and leave their child behind… and I don’t know anyone who wants to bury their child because of diabetes and heart disease. Instead of worrying about how you look in your jeans or the number on the scale, why not think about how to live longer, stronger and happier?
Katrina Michelle Russell 