A Beautiful Conversation

Being a parent in this day and age is amazing, but it can also be scary. Kids are growing up faster, trying things earlier and it’s our job as parents to help them navigate through the good and the bad.

I recently read an article, Body Image Survival Guide for Parents which said that body image issues can start in both boys and girls as early as age five! That seems too young but the media can have a very profound impact on young minds. The article gave some tips on “body image proofing” your home.

One of the tips was to compliment yourself and let your kids hear you doing that. If you actually think about it, when is that last time you complimented any part of yourself? I can’t even remember. I can remember looking at and thinking about the things I want to change, but not the things I love about myself. And if I can’t love my body, what message does that give to my children?

So I decided to talk to them and it turned into a conversation I will always remember.

We sat down on the floor in Kyah’s room.

Then I asked them both, “Do you know what is Mummy’s favorite part of her body?”

They both looked at me. And then I said, “My tummy, because both of you used to live inside there.”

Kyah’s reaction was to come over and say “Kiss mummy tummy.” And she did.

Then I asked Keyan, “What is your favorite part of your body?”

He held out his arms and said, “Arms because I can hug you.” Then he came over and wrapped his arms around me. I was the most amazing conversation and I will never forget it.

These two little people have changed my life and I want to do everything I can to ensure they have the best chance at a wonderful, happy, healthy and balanced life. And it can start with a conversation.

10 thoughts on “A Beautiful Conversation

  1. Awww! That made me teary-eyed!

    I have been giving the importance of this a lot of thought- my daughter is only 14 months old, but I want to start this conversation now… It’s hard to say, “I’m beautiful” but I want her to be able to say it so I need to continue to practice 🙂

    1. Thanks for your comment Shauna. It is definitely a hard thing to say “I’m beautiful,” but you’re right, if we want our kids to feel good about themselves, it starts with us.

  2. Those are some pretty deep thoughts from Keyan et Kyah! What sweethearts!
    Maybe I’m a shameless self-promoter, but I often say : ”Look how beautiful mommy looks!”, mostly when I dress up and my daughter will say it about herself too!

  3. So sweet! Thank you for sharing this – I don’t think I compliment myself much either…going to have a conversation about this with the kids tomorrow. I love learning from other mom bloggers:)

    Raj
    Pink Chai Style

  4. This is super touching. I’m huge on body issue stuff. I just read something a couple of months ago about complimenting our bodies and how very few of us ever heard our parents do it. I’ve gone to great lengths to make sure my girl doesn’t hear me say the bad… but I haven’t put any effort into the good.

    Great stuff, lady.

    1. Body image is definitely a tough thing to deal with. I know it’s been ongoing in my family as well and I want to make sure it’s not passed on to the kids. Good luck with the good!

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