A couple of days ago, I read an article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/08/AR2007010800982.html) that basically concludes that the coolest moms are, by definition, thin. The general idea is that if you take pride in your self, you will be thin, fit and active and therefore the best role model for the youngins. I've been thinking since then about how to respond.
I understand the idea and relate to a certain degree. After all, I don't want my daughter to look in the mirror at herself as critically as I look at myself. I also want my kids to take responsibility for their bodies and health. I want them to eat well and play hard. So to a certain degree, I can agree with the premise.
However, I know some amazing moms who are stilly carrying around a few leftover pregnancy pounds and I honestly don't think that has any effect on their coolness. In fact, if you are as proud of our post-pardum self as your never quite-thin-enough pre-pregnancy self, I think that is just as excellent in terms of role model potential. I don't know that I will ever have my most-perfect body. Despite that, I feel I can be a good role model to my children by showing them that, despite the "imperfections" that every body has, your body is something to respect.
So I can't agree that all cool moms are thin. Active, enthusiastic, sure. I think I could even buy "fit, but thin? I'm not so sure. Thoughts?
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4 comments:
I dunno. I think there are probably some thin moms out there who are not at all cool. Just look at Joan Crawford.
The article, and the entire Washington Post mom site, was obnoxious. Of course you want to set healthy examples for your children, but insisting on thin-ness is not promoting health. It is promoting a particular set of sexist, patriarchal values.
Katie Bennett
I know some moms who are chunky and proud and if that's what makes you happy then so be it! I hate all of the pressure to be thin and beautiful and perpetually young. Aren't we supposed to age with grace. Drives me nuts. I think is so important to live healthy active lives, but being thin isn't what makes a person happy. I want to teach my children to respect themselves and thier bodies but not to buy into this crap that our society throws in our faces. It scares me actually.... how do you teach you children self-esteem?..... Lord help me!
"Just look at Joan Crawford"
LMAO!!!!
One person's definition of cool. might mot match someone else's
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