But I have always tried my best to never mention anything about my weight, dieting, dissatisfaction with my body, the word "fat", etc. around my daughters. I would never want them to worry about their weight, or feel like the way they look is the most important thing, or anything close to that. Especially at such a young age. Yes, I know it's hypocritical of me to obsess over my weight, and then not want them to grow up with those same tendencies.
Today I learned that I haven't done as well as I thought at protecting them from that negativity. Out of the blue, Paige came up to me and said, "Mom, am I getting fat?" And she looked down at her tummy.
I just stared at her in shock, with my eyes wide. Maybe for some people that question wouldn't be a big deal, but for me it was. She's 5 years old!
Then she said, "Just tell me. Because if I am, I will eat more vegetables."
I said, "No, Paige. You're not getting fat. Why would you ask me that?"
And she said, "Everyone gets fat sometimes."
What? I don't know where that came from, but I feel awful about it. I guess kids are bound to hear stuff like that at school or on T.V. or whatever, but it still worries me. I have always told myself that my girls were going to have healthier habits and a healthier body image than I do. But how can they if I don't set the example?
I like to watch The Biggest Loser and I've noticed that so many contestants say that their biggest motivator is their families (ie. being around to raise them and setting an example for them). I get that. I feel the same way. Before I had kids, I wanted to lose weight and be fit mostly because I wanted to look good. (Who doesn't?) But as a mother of 3 girls, a bigger reason for me wanting to lose weight and be healthy is because I want my daughters to have healthy, active lives themselves. I don't want them to struggle with their weight and body image like many girls do. I've been thinking about this for a while now.
I'm trying to be a better example. I feel like we eat pretty healthy meals, but we do eat too many "treats." Lately, I've been making green smoothies as our treats, so that's a good start. And Paige and I have been going on walks together, which is fun for her.
Yes, I JUST posted a cookie recipe this morning. I have a long way to go.
