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Embracing Strength: A Lesson from My Daughter
“Mom, do you wish you were fit?” My 8-year-old daughter, Lily, surprised me with this question, pausing me mid-thought. I had never expressed a desire to be “fit” in those exact words. However, I wasn’t entirely shocked. She often sees me exercise and discuss healthy eating, not to mention her dad’s involvement in the wellness world.
As I gazed into her curious eyes, I felt a surge of clarity about my response. I have three daughters, and it’s important for me to nurture their self-esteem. I want them to grow up free from the burden of body image issues and comparisons to others, believing that they need to look a certain way to be worthy.
More importantly, I want my girls to prioritize their health. I hope they respect their bodies and demand the same respect from others. I encourage them to focus on personal growth—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—throughout their lives.
My children won’t remember how many push-ups I could do, how fast I completed a 5K, or the clothing size I wore. Instead, they will recall that their mom was strong and determined, believing in herself even when the odds were against her. Through tough times, when I might have chosen to give up, I hope they’ll remember that I pushed through.
I want them to look back and say, “Because of my mom, I never gave up.” With that thought in mind, I leaned down, meeting Lily’s gaze with confidence.
“So, Mom… do you?” she asked again.
“No, sweetheart. Mommy wants to be strong!” I replied.
She hugged me tightly and whispered, “Then I want to be strong too.” It was a simple yet powerful moment.
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Conclusion
In summary, as a parent, it’s essential to foster a healthy mindset in our children, teaching them to value strength and resilience over societal ideals of beauty. Encouraging a focus on health and personal growth can help shape their self-image positively.