When momma loves herself, daughter will follow.

Patterns, habits and long-term environments mold so much of who we are, but I’m convinced simple little encounters are powerful enough to change our outcome–for better or worse. Like this morning. As I was stepping out of the shower and scurrying to the bedroom to get dressed on time, my 4-year-old daughter made a comical observation. Giggling and wide-eyed, she pointed her little bird-like finger and said,

“Momma, your bottom SHAKES when you walk!”

Now, I could have responded with embarrassment, frustration, anger, or any combination of negative reactions. After all, as women we’re trained by society to do anything but embrace the jiggle. We’ve come so far with encouraging acceptance of fuller figures (and still have so far to go), but we rarely talk about the movement of these …

Continue Reading

“Mommy, a girl at preschool wants these scary looking dolls for Christmas.”

Which dolls, honey? Monster High dolls?

“Yes. I don’t think they teach good lessons, so I don’t want any.”

Huzzah! I got through to her! Somewhere along the way, through our many discussions about what is healthy and what is appropriate, she got it. Now, what to do about that Disney Princess Moon Walk she keeps asking for…

Barbie seems like a prude compared to this, um, creature. (image from fanpop.com)

Continue Reading

Everyone has their thing they get all “pitchforks” about. And by pitchforks, I mean that thing they believe so strongly in, that they’re quick to pick up their pitchforks and chase down whatever threatens their “thing.” Mine is healthy media for kids. And while watching the presidential debate the other night, I have admit my fingers were itching to pick up my pitchfork and fly into action. When Mitt Romney said, “I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS,” I was a little worried. Do I want that to happen? Absolutely not. But do I think PBS would go away if it did? No, after doing some research, I don’t. It would suffer, but it probably wouldn’t disappear entirely.

But the question that some are asking, and it’s an important one, is this: why do we …

Continue Reading

Prude and Proud

This was a GREAT suit for my youngest. Provided coverage, but allowed for easy diaper changes.

I’ll be the first to admit I don’t always make the healthiest parenting decisions. My kids probably watch too much TV (even if it’s educational, it’s probably too much), I KNOW they drink too much juice, and on nights that we’re really tired, get home late, or fall asleep on the couch, we don’t always brush their teeth before bed. So, before I get on my soapbox, let me assure you that I am not a perfect parent, by far.

That being said, there is one thing I pride myself on. Being a prude. Raising two daughters in this overly-sexualized world is tough, but I’m trying to navigate these waters the best I can. I’m not trying to keep them …

Continue Reading

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest…oh who cares?

By society’s standards, I am not a stunning, beautiful woman. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m hideous. I can relate to this line from one of Gretchen Wilson’s honky-tonk tunes: “I may not be a ten, but the boys say I clean up good.” Give me a shower, some makeup and a flattering dress and I’m not too shabby.

No, I’m not fishing for compliments or affirmations of my appearance. Rather, this is a celebration of my imperfections. There are things on my body that are large when they’re supposed to be small (pores, nose, feet). And there are things on my body that are small when they’re supposed to be large (use your imagination).

But you know what? I’m glad. So glad that I …

Continue Reading

What’s one of the most loving things you can do for your children? Show yourself some love!

Today, I had to say something very difficult to my daughter. While I wholeheartedly believe it needed to be said, I could barely let the words escape my lips.

You see, my daughter has been going through somewhat of a “princess” phase lately. Despite our best efforts to divert her attention elsewhere, it’s hard to stop the pink train. So, we’ve decided to let her ride, but with our supervision and guidance along the way.

Lately, she’s been obsessed with wearing dresses. “Princesses don’t wear pants!” Ugh. This morning, she said something to me that made my heart break a little. Frustrated that she wasn’t able to put her necklace on “just right,” she sneered at me, “You’re not pretty! …

Continue Reading

Share This