Cassandra Rene Photography | The Blog

Hear me out, Mama. I know this is a touchy subject. But here’s my mic drop for today:

I firmly believe: equally important to the way we talk TO our kids is the way we talk ABOUT ourselves.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the language you use about your body when you’re…

getting dressed,

putting on make up,

about to do a work out.

Chances are that whether or not you’ve meant to say it out loud, you’ve mumbled something along the lines of

“ugh these jeans make me look so fat”

or

“this is so unflattering”

or

“I need to lose weight.”

Whether you realize it or not, your kids are listening. And the language you use to talk about your body shapes the way your kids view their own…and eventually everyone else’s.

One time I was drying off after getting out of the shower and my then 4 year old son walked in and started giggling and innocently asked, “why are your boobs so long Mama?” I burst out laughing and said, “they are long, huh?! Well, it’s because I gave you and your sister Mama’s milk when you were babies. They just got stretched out!”

We both laughed and he kinda shrugged like “ok that makes sense” and that was the end of the conversation!

Another time we were snuggling on the couch and he nuzzled into my tummy and said, “you’re so comfy Mama,” to which I replied with a smile, “I know, it’s cuz I’ve got some good fat on me!” Not even a week later he was snuggling again and said, “I’m so glad you’re fat, Mama. It’s so cozy.” I just smiled and said “thank you Bubba!”

Personally, I’m on a mission to never speak negatively about my body in front of my kids. The word “fat” is not a negative word or a put down in our home. My kids don’t look at my body with disgust, so why should I? They say things like “you’re so cozy,” and “I love your tummy, Mama, it’s so comfy.” They haven’t been poisoned by mainstream culture and ridiculous body standards yet. Their viewpoint is pure and absolutely beautiful.

Of course, we are not *solely* responsible for how our kids grow up seeing themselves and the world around them. There are a lot of influences out there, for good or ill. However, I do believe we are the most powerful voice amongst all that noise.

Where are you at with this, sweet Mama? Do you struggle with it? Id love to hear from you so drop your comments below 😉

XOXO,

Cassie