So a couple well meaning people expressed concerns about how my kids might be affected in regards to "body issues" due to my weight loss, or maybe my weight gain?! Lol, either way...the main concern it seems is my beautiful six year old daughter Charlee Lynn. At first I was offended, cause that seems to be the general response we have as humans. But the concerns are valid, even if they are unsolicited and unpleasant in general.
I have learned along the way, you can't please everyone...usually you can please very few people. There will always be criticism, scrutiny, and opinionated humans and after you have children it feels like they come out of the woodwork to offer advice and critique. I have learned to take that with a grain of salt. There are people whose wisdom has saved me from making mistakes with my kiddos, and I am thankful beyond words for those who are willing to step in and mentor new families as they navigate the tricky business that is raising kids! But God is awesome, and he gave us parent's the amazing gift of intuition. I have found that what works for some, doesn't work for all...and the worst game you can get caught up in, is the parenting game of compare/contrast. Just because Johnny was potty trained at 1 years old doesn't mean your child will, and if they don't...believe me, it's not the end of the world. When they all hit Kindergarten you won't be a able to tell apart the kids who potty trained early from the kids who were "late bloomers" in that dept. There will always be those moms who want to throw out their child's stats like the are their agent trying to get them a job.
So when it comes to raising up my daughter, I'm doing what I feel is best. Some may disagree with it, and that's okay! I have shared with both of my kids the honest truth about my personal journey with weight gain, and with weight loss. It's actually been kind of an amazing thing to share with my kids. It is teaching them empathy for those who are struggling just like mommy is with being overweight. It is a good example for them daily to make wise choices about what they choose to put into their body. And most importantly it teaches them that anything worth having in this life takes HARD work! They celebrate my losses, and they keep me on track...they are the ultimate accountability.
But just because I'm sharing this journey with them doesn't mean we are consumed by it. My kids aren't turning down their chicken nuggets in fear that they will get fat. In fact the other day my 9 year old son Aiden stepped on the scale to find he had gained weight and was thrilled. Charlee is a healthy, happy, feisty little girl...who understands pretty is as pretty does. Whether you are 130 pounds or 230. I would much rather put the effort into raising a little human who isn't obsessed with the number on the scale, or outward appearance. I want to raise her to care deeply for others, to show grace, to be kind, and to have a beautiful heart.
Weight may never be her battle. She may be blessed with her fathers alien genetics and freakish metabolism, but she will have her struggles. I hope that when she faces them she can reflect on this, and know that I will support her and encourage her, that she'll find encouragement in my victories and find comfort in my failings. Most of all I hope she seeks the Lord.
Comments
Post a Comment