I tried to wish it away. Maybe it’s just a figment of my imagination, and when I wake up tomorrow, I’ll realize that my late-night panic was all for nothing. Honestly, an armpit hair on my 8-year-old? STOP THE TRAIN! I’m not ready for this journey yet.
No, I’m not living in a bubble. Yes, I fully understand that puberty is part of growing up. I’ve been holding my breath, knowing that my time as the mother of a little girl who isn’t growing up was running out. My own body has been through the wringer, starting with A-cups when I was her age and then experiencing a breast reduction at 24. So, I saw this coming; I was just hoping for a bit more time before the reality check hit.
It’s not that I’m denying the inevitable. I just don’t want to face the reality of my little girl’s coming-of-age. As someone who has battled body image issues and eating disorders, I’ve been avoiding the signs of her maturation. If that little hair is still there in the morning, I might have to consult Dr. Google about time travel and watch some YouTube tutorials about building my own TARDIS.
I’m not afraid of my daughter growing up; I’m terrified of how to explain the myriad of challenges that come with it. Here are five body image-related reasons why puberty has me feeling anxious:
- As she matures and becomes more self-aware, she may start to believe that she should dislike what she sees in the mirror. Friends might diet and remark, “Oh my gosh, I’m so fat!” while sneaking diet snacks into their lunches. They may take pride in harming their bodies in the name of fitting a societal mold, hoping to shed those pounds they can’t afford to lose.
- While young girls might have silly spats and quickly reconcile, older girls and women can be cruel and vindictive. I can only hope my daughter remains strong and confident despite peer pressure. But how do I shield her from hurtful judgments when societal expectations weigh so heavily?
- She eats when she’s hungry, relishing in a satisfying meal, and stays active for her health and energy—values I’ve instilled in her. However, as she grows and encounters the world, she’ll meet individuals who may not share these positive attitudes.
- We don’t own a scale at home, but eventually, she may witness a friend weigh themselves and react to the number displayed. She’ll learn that “The Number” holds power and will have to decide for herself whether to accept the false narrative that a scale determines self-worth and happiness.
- She has her father’s legs, but what if she inherits my emotional struggles? What if, despite my best efforts to raise her as a confident individual, I still miss something crucial along the way?
Maybe I’m overreacting about a single hair signaling the start of puberty. Perhaps she will continue to be the self-assured powerhouse who confidently states, “Yourself is Yourself, and who can argue with that?” and never care about the opinions of others.
Maybe. But just in case, I’m hopping on this train and riding alongside my daughter. Yes, I’m scared of what lies ahead, but I know this is her journey, not mine.
This excerpt is from BabyFat: Adventures in Motherhood, Muffin Tops, & Trying to Stay Sane, by Jamie M. Taylor.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out our post on the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit for guidance and support. For a comprehensive overview of pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore this excellent resource. And if you want to take it a step further, consider the 18-piece At-Home Insemination Kit to enhance your journey.
Summary:
Navigating puberty can be daunting for both parents and children, especially when it comes to body image. As young girls begin to confront societal pressures and expectations, it’s vital for mothers to prepare themselves to support their daughters through this transition while promoting positive body image and self-worth.
Keyphrase: body image and puberty
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”