I’ve thought so much about this as I became a parent and now as I have two daughters of my own now. And a son whose body image is no less important honestly. I recommend reading Mothers, Daughters, Body Image by Hillary McBride. It helped walk me through the thoughts around these issues.
This is an important revelation. You don’t have time on this earth not to truly love yourself. See yourself the way your daughter sees you- as a fierce warrior that grew her into existence and brought her into this world. And, always be in the picture with her. 💖
Thank you Katie for the reminder to be kinder to ourselves. We are our harshest critics and perhaps if we were kinder to our bodies for the wonderful job they do, perhaps we'll be kinder to each other.
I didn't know I was chubby, fat or not-quite-the-right-body shape as a 10 year old until my mother left books around with underlined sections about diet and food. I remember feeling surprised and not quite as comfortable about myself.
I was a teenager in that time where most mothers still made clothes for their children, and part of the dress-making procedure involved measuring, pushing and prodding. My waist was too short, my boobs too high, my thumbs were genetically imperfect (they're missing an eighth of the normal length). We are wired to please, particularly our parents - it's time to look at ourselves with less criticism and disappointment and more joy and gratefulness. And we learn this best from mothers who love their own bodies.
By the way, now that I'm in my 60's, having boobs that were too high in my teens is a definite blessing now!
This was such a great read. "Your children are sad there are no photos with you..." (!!!) And I love how much your newsletter has grown. Always inspired by your work, Katie! <3
I’ve thought so much about this as I became a parent and now as I have two daughters of my own now. And a son whose body image is no less important honestly. I recommend reading Mothers, Daughters, Body Image by Hillary McBride. It helped walk me through the thoughts around these issues.
This is an important revelation. You don’t have time on this earth not to truly love yourself. See yourself the way your daughter sees you- as a fierce warrior that grew her into existence and brought her into this world. And, always be in the picture with her. 💖
Thank you Katie for the reminder to be kinder to ourselves. We are our harshest critics and perhaps if we were kinder to our bodies for the wonderful job they do, perhaps we'll be kinder to each other.
I didn't know I was chubby, fat or not-quite-the-right-body shape as a 10 year old until my mother left books around with underlined sections about diet and food. I remember feeling surprised and not quite as comfortable about myself.
I was a teenager in that time where most mothers still made clothes for their children, and part of the dress-making procedure involved measuring, pushing and prodding. My waist was too short, my boobs too high, my thumbs were genetically imperfect (they're missing an eighth of the normal length). We are wired to please, particularly our parents - it's time to look at ourselves with less criticism and disappointment and more joy and gratefulness. And we learn this best from mothers who love their own bodies.
By the way, now that I'm in my 60's, having boobs that were too high in my teens is a definite blessing now!
This is wholesome! More power to you :)
This was such a great read. "Your children are sad there are no photos with you..." (!!!) And I love how much your newsletter has grown. Always inspired by your work, Katie! <3