Body Love

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6 Comments
 When we found out our little baby in my belly was a girl I was ecstatic! I dreamed of hair bows, cute outfits,  and glitter. I dreamed about teaching her how to be sensitive, kind, and feminine. I dreamed about teaching her about loving babies and her siblings.
I dreamed of the relationship Brice would have with her- you know the one where all little girls look up to the daddy's with big sparkling eyes and dance on their toes. The relationship that involves running into Daddy's arms when he comes home from work and singing and stories to be sung and read...that kind of stuff. 

I dreamed about having a little side-kick. A little "mini-me."

And then I got so scared. I have a lot of positive traits to pass on to my children but one that worried me was still is my inability to just be secure and confident in my own skin. I worry about my body shape and weight. I worry about how the world sees me and if I'm pretty enough. I worry about putting enough effort into myself- my talents, dreams, and interests.
I want to teach Hazel that you are in control of your own self-esteem and that confidence comes from within. I hope to set a better example that spending time together and serving one another is more important that shopping and prepping oneself. I want to teach her to be beautiful, confident, and happy.

This was on studio 5 the other morning and I sat on the couch like a sponge taking it all in.


I know I can't expect myself to be perfect but I know that my example is going to be and should be the biggest influence on my kids- and right now on my daughter. 

Any other thoughts on teaching confidence? loving your body? 


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6 comments:

  1. TiffanyNovember 14, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    What I feel personally helps the best is how your own mother perceives and respects her body. I think the example that she shows for herself emulates to her daughter. Of course every women looks down upon her flaws, but don't flaunt about it in front of your children. My mom never talked bad about her body in front of me and I think that helped me not look down on myself so much. Of course I have my own insecure feelings, but it's in no way near the extreme of how others feel. It makes me so sad to hear the stories about the mom's going on about their insecurities and then to see their daughters suffering from anorexia because of it.

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    1. Breann JohnsonNovember 14, 2013 at 6:02 PM

      Tiffany, I think you are so right about negative self-talk in front of kids. I never want to push my own feelings upon Hazel,but I also think you can't just hide all your insecurities? What do you think?

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  2. jessica churchNovember 14, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    http://www.beautyredefined.org/ this is the best source of body image science and perspectives and the influence of the media and social norms I have ever found! I also think this is good and shows the perspective of a child and the influence a mothers example can have http://www.dailylife.com.au/life-and-love/parenting-and-families/when-your-mother-says-shes-fat-20130604-2nnxq.html I think there is a ton of pressure placed on women to conform to beauty ideals of the day. I think it is great that you find this so important for your darling little girl!

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    1. Breann JohnsonNovember 14, 2013 at 6:05 PM

      Thank you for sharing so much! P.S. when are you getting married?!?

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  3. Taber & RebeccaNovember 14, 2013 at 4:20 PM

    This is something I've thought about as well. I try to have conversations about how amazing and strong her body is that Heavenly Father made for her. And I've made a more concerted effort to not talk about things I don't like about my body. You'll figure it out. ;) and no one is perfect.

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    1. Breann JohnsonNovember 14, 2013 at 6:04 PM

      You make a great point that I didn't write about at all...we have the knowledge that Heavenly Father created our bodies after himself and that is such a unique teaching tool. Thanks for the reminder:)

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