Dear Lily,
At five years old, you are truly a marvel. Your bright spirit, endless curiosity, and playful silliness shine in a way that only children can embody. Your laughter is infectious, a pure melody that I can almost see floating like little notes into the air.
Your face is a canvas of emotions, displaying joy, surprise, and even a hint of confusion. You haven’t yet learned the adult art of masking your feelings (and trust me, that’s a skill you can do without).
As you grow taller and stronger, your natural inclination to run instead of walk (or fly like “Supergirl,” as you say) keeps you agile. Yet, you still have that slight baby softness that I will cherish as you transition into a bigger girl.
So, when you mentioned that your legs looked “fat,” my heart sank. I don’t want you to be part of a world that teaches girls to feel inadequate for simply being themselves. Not now, and ideally not ever—though I recognize that’s a tall order.
In response to your comment, here’s what I hope you remember:
Your legs are not just for fitting into trendy jeans or looking good in a fancy dress. They are powerful tools meant to help you navigate life.
Your legs walk you to school, take you to playdates, and help you conquer that climbing wall that has proven challenging. They allow you to jump, skip, hop, and run. Every time you dash up the stairs, play hide and seek in the park, or reach the top of the jungle gym, it’s a testament to your health and strength.
And as you grow older, you will need them even more. In college, your legs will take you to classes when your wallet is light. They’ll help you navigate summer jobs abroad that might give your parents a few gray hairs, but will be memorable nonetheless. You’ll use them for workouts, nights out, and even those early morning charity runs.
When it comes time to accept your diploma, you’ll need those legs to walk across the stage. They’ll help you rock your babies back to sleep during those long nights. They’ll be essential for escaping danger or pursuing adventure—whether that’s bungee jumping or parkour.
Most importantly, you’ll need them to dash back home to your family whenever you seek comfort or love.
So, my dear, never doubt that you are perfect just as you are. Your body is not defined by someone else’s standards, but by the unique and wonderful person you are. I created you, cell by cell, and I know deeply that you are everything you were meant to be and more.
Love, Mum