06/07/2015
Jessica Turner wants moms to carefully consider their choice this summer “to put on a swimsuit or to skip it.” She says, “I have a lot of friends who do the latter... And it makes me incredibly sad.” In her piece in the Huff Post, she reminds moms everywhere that “when women stay on the sidelines because of insecurity, we are modeling unhealthy behavior to our children and we are missing out.”
She writes about how she went to the beach with her kids, weighing “a few pounds more than I wanted to," but she didn't let it hold her back: "I put my swimsuit on anyway and RAN INTO THE OCEAN with my kids. We laughed and splashed and had the best time. Spending that time IN THE WATER with my children made such a difference.” Shortly afterwards, Jessica learned she was pregnant, meaning this summer she will watch her belly grow during the height of swimsuit season. She says, “Last weekend, I put on my swimsuit, looked at myself in the mirror and took a deep breath. I'm already showing at just 11 weeks. But it looks more like too many potato chips than a baby.” But, she says, “I still put on my swimming suit every chance I get and go swimming with my kids. They love swimming. And I love being with them.”
She says, “I refuse to miss my children's high-pitched, pool-induced giggles because of my insecurities. I refuse to let other women's judging eyes at the pool prevent me from exposing my kids' eyes to the wonder of the sun glittering on the water. I refuse to let my self-image influence my children's. I refuse to sacrifice memories with my children because of a soft tummy. Because at the end of the day, it is not just about me. It is about my kids... I want them to remember that their mom was there, with them.”
Jessica wants moms to remember that “Your swimsuit does not define you... You are a mother. You are beautiful.” She says, “That soft tummy you are trying to hide? Has stretched and grown life. Those thighs that have long lost their gap? Gave you the strength to carry that beach ball for nine months, then walk with life hanging on your hips for years after.” With her piece, “I hope to encourage you to push your insecurities aside. Put on that bathing suit. Run through the sprinkler. Jump in the pool. Splash. Have fun. Your child will remember those moments and your freedom -- not how you looked in your swimming suit.”
To read Jessica's entire post on HuffPost, visit http://huff.to/1lPX85Q
For an insightful parenting book about fostering positive body image that addresses the issue of moms' grappling with their own body image issues, check out “You’d Be So Pretty If...: Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies -- Even When We Don’t Love Our Own” at http://www.amightygirl.com/you-d-be-so-pretty-if
For several great self-esteem boosting books for Mighty Girls about the importance of loving yourself, we highly recommend "I Like Myself" for ages 3 to 8 (http://www.amightygirl.com/i-like-myself), "A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself, Even on the Bad Days" for ages 9 to 12 (http://www.amightygirl.com/a-smart-girl-s-guide-to-liking-herself), and "The Body Image Workbook for Teens" for ages 13+ (http://www.amightygirl.com/body-image-workbook).
For a diverse selection of books for both children and teens that encourage acceptance of physical diversity and appreciation of one's own body, visit our "Body Image" section at http://www.amightygirl.com/books/personal-development/life-challenges/body-image
And, for more resources for parents on encouraging a positive body image in their daughters, including the excellent "101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body," visit http://www.amightygirl.com/parenting/body-image-self-esteem
