My generation of females has more power than we often realize. It's crazy to think about, but in about ten years or so, we will be in charge of raising the next generation of females. We have the power to create beautiful girls who grow up confident in their own skin, and that confidence will stem from the way we talk to our daughters about their bodies. And that means, the way we talk to our little girls about their bodies needs to change, or even better, end altogether.
Why do we even feel the need to focus our conversations on the shape or appearance of a female's body? We should teach our daughters how their body works and how to be healthy, but we need not say anything else. We don't need to comment when we think she has gained weight. And we don't need to comment when we think she has lost weight.
If our daughter has an incredible body, instead of saying "You look so skinny!" how about we use adjectives like strong and healthy? Or better yet, we can compliment our daughter on something that has nothing to do with her body. We can tell her she is smart, kind, happy, talented, and bright. The more you compliment your daughter's body on the days she looks "thin," the more she will feel as though she must aspire to always look that way. Let us shut that down before it begins in our generation of daughters.
Let us also stop talking about other women's bodies. Whether it be mean or kind, do not do it. The judgment of others will eventually result in the judgment of ourselves. We must teach our daughters to be kind to others so that they can be kind to themselves.
Perhaps we can raise the next generation to not care about diets and weight loss routines. Let's encourage our daughters to play sports because they have a genuine love of the game and because it teaches them life skills like leadership and teamwork. Let's go to the gym with our daughter because they find the zumba classes fun. Encourage them to go on runs and hikes if they love the beauty of the outdoors. But never portray these activities as things you must do to "look good".
Make healthy meals that you know your daughter finds yummy. Teach her the importance of eating healthy so that your heart and bones and organs are able to live a long life, but do not deny her of desserts and carbs and snack foods, simply because they'll make her put on weight. Show her how to bake and pass on your favorite cookie recipes for her to learn. Splurge on popcorn and candy when you go to the movie theaters and eat lots of cake on birthdays. Teach her that everything in moderation is good.
I hope that we can raise the next generation of little girls to grow up strong and comfortable in their own skin. A girl is beautiful for the person she is within, and I hope one day society can recognize that fully.
