A few weeks ago I started to see a towel on Bloggyland that said, "Because my daughter is watching" and it rang so real to me and it really has been the talk of a lot of discussion I have been having with a lot of people lately.
When I found out I was going to have a daughter, I became fearful that she would have to struggle through the same things I did (poor body image, eating disorder, being teased). I even caught myself thinking, "Oh I hope she isn't like me!"...my hubby said in response, "I hope she is!" He was seeing the good things while all I could see were the struggles she was about to face.
Being a girl is hard and seeing my high schoolers and what they are struggling with (mean girls, bullies, body image, and promiscuity) I know the problems will not go away nor can I control what happens to Em but I can control how she deals with it. For me growing up, aside from the Lord's constant mercy and guidance and my parents, I feel like being active in sports kept me out of a lot of trouble. Now not to say there weren't a few wack-a-doos in the mix but it helped me to stay focused.
I run....I lift.....I eat healthy (most of the time) for many reasons but added to the list is because my daughter is watching. It hasn't taken long but her preferred form of transportation is running....running....and more running and I love it! I know that she is seeing herself as strong and healthy. I hope in the future she can keep this up or find her niche one way or the other. In the mean time I will try my best to be an example for her.
What do you do because your kids are watching?
What a great post! I do almost everything with keeping in mind that my kids are watching (and with 12, someone is ALWAYS watching!) :) I think our kids learn more from what they see us do than they do from what we say, so I hope to set a good example by enjoying food and yet eating healthy most of the time and by making regular exercise a priority and showing them how much I enjoy it. I also encourage them to follow their own passions and talent... whatever they may be... because that is what life is all about. :)
ReplyDeleteI have started thinking this way too. It is such a heavy (but also blessed) responsibility when you have little ones to raise up. I know that they learn so much from just watching. I have also thought a lot about this in reference to the way I worship the Lord and how much faith I exhibit in my daily life--I know Elijah will be more likely to choose God if I not only tell him about it but I live it each day. Em is lucky to have you as a mom!
ReplyDeleteShe's a lucky lil girl to have you as a mama!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. So true.
ReplyDeleteaw! what a great post. maybe i should get some kids...lol
ReplyDeleteI love this!!! No kids for me yet, but good to remember as I slowly get there :)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said! I'd like to think I'd remain strong in body and spirit even if my daughter's weren't watching, but I do especially because they are.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. :) I feel like the majority of my day to day decisions are because my children are watching. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! When Kara came out I was like F*** this is awful. I wanted a boy. I can't raise a girl. I have the same fears as you. I think the athletic route will be great.
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