I'll never forget the day that Layna said to me, while snuggling on the couch, she, JUST over 2 years old "Mommy, move your fat". In THAT moment, my heart pounded and my eyes welled up. HOW did my 2 year old even KNOW what "fat" was.
She knew it from ME. From listening to me constantly asking Shaun if I looked fat. Complaining, as I stared back at my reflection, that I WAS fat. Always grabbing at my stomach and arms, frustrated and angry that I wanted to change and hadn't done ANYTHING to do it.
THAT, combined with my need to find something other than drinking, at the time, to deal with my stress and emotions, helped me to COMMIT to making a positive change in my life.
I can now say that I really try to refrain from saying negative things about myself in front of my kids (yes, I still do it on my own, but I'm trying to recognize when I do it, and continue trying to STOP doing it). I KNOW that those little toddler spongy ears soak up so much of what we say without us even knowing it.
I DONT want to contribute, in a negative way, to my kids' self-image or perception of themselves. There's so much in the media and society that does that already. I want to show my children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, being confident in themselves, their minds, and their bodies. I want to show them what it's like to struggle but find ways to overcome.
I want them to love themselves as much as I love them!!!
She knew it from ME. From listening to me constantly asking Shaun if I looked fat. Complaining, as I stared back at my reflection, that I WAS fat. Always grabbing at my stomach and arms, frustrated and angry that I wanted to change and hadn't done ANYTHING to do it.
THAT, combined with my need to find something other than drinking, at the time, to deal with my stress and emotions, helped me to COMMIT to making a positive change in my life.
I can now say that I really try to refrain from saying negative things about myself in front of my kids (yes, I still do it on my own, but I'm trying to recognize when I do it, and continue trying to STOP doing it). I KNOW that those little toddler spongy ears soak up so much of what we say without us even knowing it.
I DONT want to contribute, in a negative way, to my kids' self-image or perception of themselves. There's so much in the media and society that does that already. I want to show my children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, being confident in themselves, their minds, and their bodies. I want to show them what it's like to struggle but find ways to overcome.
I want them to love themselves as much as I love them!!!
