As a 30-something-year-old mom, I find myself in a love/hate relationship with my body. I convince myself not to wear shorts or get in a swimsuit. I squeeze and pinch my stomach wishing it were flatter. Having a candid photograph taken is most definitely out of the question. With my oldest daughter being 10, I’ve become very aware that I need to change my own mindset in order to foster confidence and higher self-esteem in her.
Empowerment
We are all very aware that social media and advertisements are the breeding ground for an unrealistic body standard that makes women feel inadequate. With that being said, it really is time to change what loving yourself and being healthy looks like. It is time to empower ourselves! That means we need to stop being in the background worrying about our appearance and instead get proudly in the front of the picture! Our children are not worried about what we look like and want to have those memories captured forever in a photograph.
Looking Good Mommy
Just own it! Own that post-baby body that created those beautiful children. Those marks show off the amazing power and strength women possess. They aren’t something to be embarrassed about. So wear that swimsuit, put on those shorts, enjoy the family Saturday donuts together, and get down and play with your children. You want your kids to remember you were a part of all those memories and the role you played in making it all happen.
Stop Being Your Own Worst Critic
We really are our own worst critic. Self-sabotage and negative self-talk is a true struggle for me that I work daily to change. Focusing on the positives about myself shows my children that they are perfect just the way they are. For me, the most important reason for getting in front of the camera (without the perfect outfit, makeup, and hair) is to inspire them to love themselves. Having high self-esteem and a positive body image in this photo-shopped, filtered, and superficial world is key.
Picture Perfect
The time is now to get in the photos! Don’t worry about those last few pounds of baby weight or not being dressed to perfection. Time is a thief, and the kids will be grown and off to college much too soon. Stop missing out on family photos or capturing those “just rolled out of bed” snapshots. At the end of the day, the pictures don’t have to be perfect. Stop hiding behind the camera and be present.
