Five Things I'm Doing To Save My Daughter

[LittleWeloosMom]

 And by saving I mean sparing her, to the best of my ability, from a lifetime of body image problems and feelings of inadequacy that stem from a media-influenced, unrealistic (and I dare say fascistic) ideal of beauty.

1. Turn off the television. Or get rid of it. Some of the ways it influences a young mind are so insidious that they are hard to spot, and are not limited to MTV or commercials.

2. Never criticize my own perceived body flaws or weight in front of her. This has a huge impact, trust me. I still remember the little pink heart-shaped diet pills my mother ordered from a magazine when I was four years old.

3. Emphasize education, especially math and science. Young people, and girls especially, are made to believe that looks and material possessions are what is important. Watch any television show and you'll quickly see why.

4. Don't let Bratz or other such dolls or toys that sexualize youth into our home. Give her things to engage her mind and creativity, not buy into blind materialism.

5. Convince her father that "feminism" is not a dirty word. And speaking of "dirty," also convince him to never use this term when referring to any part of her or her actions. (While he was changing her diaper once she innocently put her hand between her legs- she was eight months old, mind you- and he actually said "No, that is dirty!" and moved her hand. I was shocked.)He had no idea how this pejorative use of the word could negatively affect her.

What are five things you are doing to save your daughter?

***Inspired by the Save Our Daughters (Collaborative) on www.theshapeofamother.com***

[lilpatti]

Jul. 7, 2008 at 9:30 PM My daughter is going to major in mathematics!! I love it and I am so wildly proud of her for it!  Watch out world-here comes Alexis

[MisScarlett]

Mar. 14, 2010 at 12:08 PM

1. I'm never allowing my fiancee to put me down, especailly in front of her and I never belittle or demean him especailly in front of her.

2. I have NO problem leaving the house in sweats and no makeup

3. I keep music a big part of our household

4. Mother nature is a member of our family

5. I exhibit strength in all things I do.

[Skepticchick]

Mar. 29, 2010 at 1:04 AM

I just had a little girl 4 months ago, so I haven't thought of this much yet. 

Great ideas. 

I love them.