I recently had a friend share a video with me from a Facebook page “Kidspot”. I have shared the link below, it shows a young happy girl grow to her teenage years and become obsessed watching videos of girls doing anything to keep a small waist, to the point of hospitalisation.
Watching the video was hard. I have heard stories about similar scenarios. I have seen glimpses of this story in my own home. What a sad and terrifying thought that our children’s lives could escalate to being ruled by what they think they need to be or look like.
As a parent, this is scary. I worry about the unrealistic body expectations that are both subtly and not subtly exposed to young children.
Don’t let them have a phone you say…
I can restrict my children’s phone time as much as I want.
Do you remember being a teenager? I remember finding ways around being told no, or not being able to do what I want at home. They can see it at their friends houses, on their friends phones, just by talking to and being around their friends they can see what trends they need to “keep up with”.
Social media and the internet have some amazing qualities. Gosh it can be harsh and scary though. This is without the bullying that can be thrown in the mix as well.
I try hard to have regular and open conversations with my kids. About reality, individuality, love, life and anything that helps their mind grow to the worlds opportunities and not to be focused on dangerous shallow fads.
It is hard. There are so many outside influences. And I’m “just mum. What do I know? I’m not even young so I wouldn’t understand.”
Working through the ups and downs and staying consistent for the kids is exhausting and straight up hard some days. But what happens if we don’t?
We as parents and caregivers, even as friends, need to be their support team, their fan club, their educators, their shoulder, their friend. Be someone who can guide them, push them, help them see their worth, opportunities and endless potential.
Good luck to all the parents, and all the kids navigating their way through life
~Beauty comes from the inside, and shines out in all different shapes and sizes~
Jess x
https://fb.watch/kr_HsVmvDO/?mibextid=AUziGh
