Mothers and Daughters

How many times have you said these words,  “I’m fat.  I need to lose weight.  I’m out of shape.  I need to get back on my diet.  I’ll never put on a bathing suit…..” in front of your daughter?

What we may think are harmless comments, like those mentioned above, are words our daughters may be taking to heart.  Words that spark weight concerns, struggles with self esteem and bullying as well as the development of unhealthy eating habits that include extreme dieting. 

As mothers we inherently know and want to be good role models to our children.  But if you’re constantly criticizing yourself, more specifically your body, you may be leading your daughters down a dangerous and unhealthy path.  Research supplied by The National Women’s Health Information Center has shown that daughters are more likely to have ideas about dieting when their mothers diet.  Studies have also shown that mothers who are overly concerned about their looks and weight, raise daughters who become overly concerned about their looks and weight.

Catch yourself before you make negative comments about food, fat, body shape, weight and physical appearance in regards to yourself and others.  Encourage your daughter to do the same.
Tell your daughter how beautiful she is and expand that statement to mean non physical beauty as well.  Compliment her intelligence, her kindness, her athletic ability, her tenacity, her sense of humor, her values, her talents and accomplishments.  Help her to see herself as a multidimensional person whose worth, value and likability extends far beyond her looks.  Share with her what you like about yourself too, what you value in female friendships, how you practice taking care of yourself.

Peace,

Joan

Comments

[annie]

Amen! On behalf of myself and my baby girl, thank you for your insight and wisdom!!

[joan upton]

Annie,
Blessings and every kind of beauty for you and your baby girl.

Peace,
Joan

[Kent dentist]

Nice title and concept to present the reality and ideas of relation.