I tried to wish it away, thinking perhaps it wasn’t real. Maybe in the morning, I’d discover that last night’s surge of anxiety was all for nothing. I mean, really? An armpit hair on my 8-year-old? WHOA, hold on a second! I’m not ready for this journey yet.
I’m not oblivious. I know puberty exists. In fact, I’ve been holding my breath, aware that my time as the mother of a youthful little girl was nearing its end. I remember my own body transformation well, having gone from a modest B-cup at her age to where I am now. I once had a far more significant bust size until my reduction at 25. I had a feeling this day was coming; I just hoped for a little more time before facing it.
It’s not so much that I’m in denial—it’s more that, having battled my own body image struggles and eating disorders, I was content to overlook the signs of growing up. If that single hair is still there come morning, I might just be consulting Dr. Google about time travel and YouTube for how to build my own Tardis.
It’s not that I fear my daughter growing up; it’s more about how to prepare her for the harsh realities that come with it. As a lifelong recovering bulimic, here are five body-image-related reasons that have me feeling anxious about this transition:
- As her body starts to change, she may learn to loathe what she sees in the mirror. Friends will diet and exclaim, “OMG, I’m so fat!” and begin to shy away from nourishment just to fit into an unrealistic mold. It’s disheartening to think that she might follow suit.
- While little girls may temporarily fall out over trivial issues, older girls and women can be downright cruel. I can only hope she grows up with the confidence to disregard society’s judgment on her appearance. But how can I shield her from pain if the opinions of others become significant?
- She enjoys food when she’s hungry and celebrates a full belly. She engages in physical activity to stay healthy and energized. I’ve worked hard to cultivate this positive outlook in our home, but as her world expands, she’ll encounter negativity and judgment.
- We don’t keep a scale at home, but one day she may witness a friend weighing themselves. She’ll likely learn the significance of that number and decide whether to buy into the myth that it defines her worth and happiness.
- She inherited her father’s strong legs. But what if she also inherited my emotional burdens? What if, despite my best efforts to raise a confident daughter, I missed something crucial along the way?
Perhaps I’m overreacting about this single hair indicating the onset of puberty. Maybe she’ll remain the self-assured dynamo who confidently states, “Yourself is Yourself, and who can argue with that?” and remain impervious to peer opinions.
Maybe. But just in case, I’ll be right there on this ride with my daughter. I may be apprehensive about what lies ahead, but I recognize that this journey is hers to navigate.
For more insights on this topic, check out our post on home insemination kits. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, Make a Mom provides an excellent resource. Additionally, for further information on pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF is a fantastic source.
Summary
As my daughter approaches puberty, I grapple with the challenges of body image and societal pressures. With my own past of eating disorders, I worry about her self-esteem and how to protect her from the negativity that often accompanies growing up. Despite my fears, I aim to be alongside her on this journey, fostering her confidence and individuality.