HEALTHY BODY IMAGE, PLEASE

I’m pretty sure that a woman who is completely happy with her body doesn’t exist. I can definitely come up with quite a few things I’d change about mine. I  know that I think I’m bigger than I am. Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m pretty fit for someone who has had three children, and I work hard to keep in shape. Still, I think that I have really big muscly thighs and I’d love to be generally even more toned.

I can have a good moan about all this with my friends every now and again, but I always make sure to avoid these type of conversations when my daughter is around. Venla is six and I don’t want her growing up worrying about her weight and body image.

Last summer, she watched Biggest Loser with my mum when we were over in Finland and she was quite intrigued by the program. My mum explained that if you are too big, it can be really bad for your health, which is why the contestants needed to lose weight. A few months ago we were having lunch out, and there was a rather large man sat at the next table. Venla pointed out that he should do some exercise so he would feel better. (Luckily to me, not the man himself!) I told her she was right, but also explained that it’s also unhealthy to be too thin.

I really hope she grows up having a healthy relationship with her body and food. I want her know that it’s best to eat freshly cooked healthy stuff, but as long as you are active, it’s absolutely fine to have treats every now and again. But how do you guarantee this happens besides you as a mum setting a good example?

Recently I read a feature about an 8 year old girl suffering from anorexia, and I also remember seeing some research a few years ago about toddlers having body issues as they compare themselves to the Disney Princesses. I find this so sad and shocking.

This is an issue I could go on and on about, but I’ve already broken my rule I made about writing short blog posts typing this… I’d love to hear any thoughts you have though, especially if you are having any issues with your children and their weight.