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5 Body Image Concerns That Have Me Anxious About Puberty
I keep hoping that if I ignore it long enough, it’ll just go away. Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, this evening’s panic will feel like a distant memory. But really, an armpit hair on my 8-year-old? Hold the phone—I’m definitely not prepared for this ride!
No, I’m not living in a bubble. I know puberty is on the horizon. In fact, I’ve been bracing myself for the moment when my little girl would start growing up. I’ve had my own body image struggles, and I can’t shake the feeling that my time as the mother of a carefree child is swiftly fading. I once went from a B-cup to DDDs, and although I thought I had it all figured out, I’m now wishing for a pause button on this journey.
It’s not denial; it’s more about my own history with body image issues and eating disorders. I’ve been trying to shield myself from the reality of what’s ahead. If that little hair is still there in the morning, I might just end up Googling time travel and trying to figure out how to build my own Tardis.
The fear isn’t about her growing up; it’s about how to prepare her for the challenges that come with it. As a recovering bulimic, I can’t help but worry about these five body image-related concerns:
- Self-Perception: As her body transforms and she becomes more self-aware, she might start believing she should dislike her reflection. Her friends may start diets and lament about their bodies, packing things like SlimFast in their lunches. I fear she’ll witness them take pride in depriving themselves of essential nutrients just to lose a few pounds.
- Social Cruelty: While little girls might have petty squabbles that are forgotten by the next day, teenage girls (and women) can be cruel. How do I ensure she doesn’t get hurt by the opinions of others about her appearance, especially if the judgments start to matter?
- Healthy Habits: Right now, she eats when she’s hungry, loves her food, and enjoys being active just for the sake of feeling good. But as she grows, the world can be filled with negativity, and I worry that those healthy habits might be challenged.
- Weight and Self-Worth: We don’t own a scale, yet one day she might see a friend weigh themselves and react—whether it’s with joy or distress. I dread the day she learns to equate “The Number” with her self-worth.
- Emotional Baggage: She inherited her father’s legs, but what if she also picked up my emotional baggage? No matter how hard I strive to instill confidence, what if I miss something vital?
Maybe I’m overreacting about a single hair marking the start of puberty. Perhaps she’ll remain the confident little dynamo who shares gems of wisdom like, “Yourself is Yourself, and who can argue with that?” and never fret about what others think.
But just in case, I’ll hop on this train and ride alongside her. I may be nervous about what lies ahead, but I recognize that this journey isn’t mine—it’s hers.
This story is inspired by the experiences shared in BabyFat: Adventures in Motherhood, Muffin Tops, & Trying to Stay Sane by Pauline M. Campos. For more insights into family topics, don’t forget to check out our other posts, like the one on home insemination.
For anyone considering home insemination options, Cryobaby is an authority on the subject, and Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources for anyone interested in pregnancy and insemination.
Summary
Navigating the onset of puberty can be daunting for both parents and children, especially when it comes to body image. The fears surrounding changes in self-perception, societal pressures, and the potential for negative experiences can be overwhelming. As a parent, the goal is to support and guide your child through this journey, instilling confidence and resilience.