Okay, I'm not sure what my question or even exact topic really is going to be here. I just know I'd like to hear other mama's input on this subject.
Why this topic came up for me: I am a photo addict.
I've always loved taking photos, and before Addie came along I took just as many photos - they were simply of other things like flowers and such. But now with my little girl I just have so much fun playing around with her while taking her photos. While showing the latest bunch of pictures to my mom tonight, she casually mentioned that she hoped that as Adeline gets older she doesn't get the idea that her looks are what are most important. 
:
I am very dedicated to raising her to have a sense of self that is based on the person she is on the inside - not based on things like her looks, weight, etc. As one who has suffered from body image and self esteem issues all my life, I am trying to prevent passing on the belief that a woman’s self-worth and her worth to others are derived from how she looks. I understand how important it is to model my own self esteem (I grew up with a mom who was very vocal about how much she hated her looks and body, and I believe many of my own issues stemmed from that).
I'm just looking for a general discussion about how those with young girls are modeling a healthy sense of self and body image. Any things you specifically try to avoid (like I never comment on other people's looks if I can help it, especially in a negative light ... and never talk about my own looks negatively).
And also, do you think what my mom suggested about my taking lots of photos has any merit? Could the fact that I take a lot of photos of my little girl give her the idea that her mama places some kind of inappropriate value on her looks? I told my mom that I believe that what I communicate to Adeline is going to have a bigger effect, and that I think it's important not to excessively comment on her looks (gushing about how beautiful she is ... although hard to resist because of course I believe she IS beautiful!
). And, of course, modeling a healthy sense of self. And isn't it natural for a mama to want to take a lot of photos of her little one??
Okay, this is probably not coming out the way I wanted it to sound ... but I'm exhausted, so there it is.
Why this topic came up for me: I am a photo addict.
I've always loved taking photos, and before Addie came along I took just as many photos - they were simply of other things like flowers and such. But now with my little girl I just have so much fun playing around with her while taking her photos. While showing the latest bunch of pictures to my mom tonight, she casually mentioned that she hoped that as Adeline gets older she doesn't get the idea that her looks are what are most important. :I am very dedicated to raising her to have a sense of self that is based on the person she is on the inside - not based on things like her looks, weight, etc. As one who has suffered from body image and self esteem issues all my life, I am trying to prevent passing on the belief that a woman’s self-worth and her worth to others are derived from how she looks. I understand how important it is to model my own self esteem (I grew up with a mom who was very vocal about how much she hated her looks and body, and I believe many of my own issues stemmed from that).
I'm just looking for a general discussion about how those with young girls are modeling a healthy sense of self and body image. Any things you specifically try to avoid (like I never comment on other people's looks if I can help it, especially in a negative light ... and never talk about my own looks negatively).
And also, do you think what my mom suggested about my taking lots of photos has any merit? Could the fact that I take a lot of photos of my little girl give her the idea that her mama places some kind of inappropriate value on her looks? I told my mom that I believe that what I communicate to Adeline is going to have a bigger effect, and that I think it's important not to excessively comment on her looks (gushing about how beautiful she is ... although hard to resist because of course I believe she IS beautiful!
). And, of course, modeling a healthy sense of self. And isn't it natural for a mama to want to take a lot of photos of her little one??Okay, this is probably not coming out the way I wanted it to sound ... but I'm exhausted, so there it is.
I never thought of a photo as being something you only take because a person is beautiful... to me a photo is something you use to remember a person, place, event, moment.
: That would be weird, imo.), and I comment to DS2 on his sharing or putting away his toys, etc. It's well-rounded praise. I believe children benefit from sincere compliments and acknowlegements of their strengths. I also think both boys and girls benefit from knowing that their parents and loved ones find them pleasant physically - I like DS2's little round cheeks and I like DS1's dimples - I think they're *cute* and I don't think there's anything wrong about that.
I have an aunt who is very into pictures, but she's more interested in getting the "right" shot than enjoying the experience, and it's sad to see her two DDs plaster fake, "okay, go ahead mom" smiles on their faces every time she whips out her camera.
