Gap Chambray top (
similar) // Purple Tutu ~ gift //
Saltwater Sandals via eBay
Trying to get this post uploaded before the
linkup ends... I am late joining the fun. But since
5/21's link-up is about body image and I was already going to post something about my little girl ~~ then might as well do it now right?
For those who have been readers of this blog, there is no surprise that my little Isabel is such a girly-girl. One reason why I was hoping for 4 boys/sons (yup, crazy wish!) is that I am afraid to raise a girl. I *mostly turned out alright (!) but I have this fear that I would not know how to be a good role model for my daughters. Of course, I am thankful that I have her. She is a sweetheart. She is a girly-girl. She loves fashion, dressing up and all-things-princesses.
I tried not to introduce Disney princesses or Barbie to her. But when there is something you try so hard not to do ~ it ends up happening anyway!
A few nights ago, I had this conversation with her:
Isabel: now i am princess. I will find my prince and go to a big castle.
Me: you are always a princess... because you are God's princess.
Isabel: Jesus does not have princesses. Princesses live in castles, not with Jesus.
Granted, this conversation is with my 3 year old. I cannot really reason with her. I was surprised with her comeback and I did not have anything to say after.
Another conversation: she was playing with her play make-up given by a friend. She used the make-up brush and pretended to place something on her face.
Isabel: now I am beautiful.
Me: you are always beautiful, sweetheart. God made you beautiful. You do not need make-up to be beautiful.
Am I going overboard? Am I looking for every single opportunity and teaching her every little second or chance I get? When is too much - too much? or when is "what I am doing" not enough?
I really believe that talking with our girls/daughters about body image, beauty, sex, marriage and life HAS to happen. I never really had a 'talk' with my mom or grandma about those things growing up. I was already in college exploring and learning about relationships sexuality, dating etc when they started talking to me about it. I also have body image issues. I was chubby growing up. I slimmed down once I hit puberty. But I always have this bad feeling about "weight gain", "flabby arms" and fat. Hence, the battle inside me when I gain weight during pregnancy. I was made fun for my weight when I was young. So now, yes, I have gained another 40 lbs (yikes!) and I am sad about that.
But that sadness cannot be the only thing I show my daughter. And I am happy to say: that's not what I show her. I am happy I am carrying another blessing. God gave me this opportunity to be co-creator with him. Being a mom, with the big belly and "battle scars and all" is the best thing I have ever done.
Our bodies are beautiful and I want to show that to my daughter. I want to be an example.
Sex and love are beautiful gifts. I want her to wait until somebody as perfect as HIS ONE TRUE prince comes along. {Nobody can really be as perfect as Jesus -- but anybody as close to saintly as my husband is good enough for my daughters}.
I may be afraid but I cannot be paralyzed by fear all the time.
Any tips for this mom? Those with daughters, how do you handle day-today teachings or opportunities? I am all ears!
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