Sliding Door Moments in Parenthood

“Mama, why is your skin so jiggly?”

I went to a swimming pool with my family recently. While we were changing into our swim suits, my 6-year-old said “Mama, why is your skin so jiggly?” She then - lovingly - jiggled my thighs.

I knew, in this moment, this was a sliding door moment.

I could either respond how I imagine my mother would have: hurt, defensive, cover myself with a towel.

Or, I could choose to break free from this generational cycle.

To not pass on judgments - verbal or nonverbal - around body size and composition.

To not let my daughter see me hide my body, but rather, embrace it.

So, I simply and neutrally said, “That’s fat, honey. Everyone has it.”

Then, I consciously chose not to wrap a towel around me when heading to the pool. I wanted my daughter to see me confident in my body, jiggle and all.

Because I want her to know that she is worthy, loved, and enough - regardless of what her body looks like.

It is these sliding door moments that add up and make a difference, for generations to come.

And, I share this story on World Eating Disorders Action Day 🌎

The theme this year is Breaking Bias and Supporting Families. Alliance for Eating Disorders said it well: “Eating disorders are serious, complex, and often misunderstood mental health conditions.”

Global prevalence of eating disorders has more than doubled in recent decades. 🤯

We see negative body image and disorder eating as early as 8-years-old.

I come from generations of disordered eating/unhealthy relationships with food and body. This pattern ends with me.

As parents, we can have the power to break the cycle, and make choices that can create a positive ripple effect in the generations to come.

We are faced with these sliding door moments every day - where we can repeat what was done before, or create new patterns moving forward.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

📞 Call: 866-662-1235
📱 Text: ALLIANCE to 741-741
💻 Visit: allianceforeatingdisorders.com