We were out for a Mommy-daughter day. With three girls my husband and I try hard to spend one on one time with each of them as we can. Today, was my day with my seven year old. We ran some errands and had a nice lunch together. Then, she was able to pick her last activity. She wanted to go shopping for a new dress. So, off to the store we went.
My daughter is a fun loving, humorous, sensitive, and beautiful little girl. She is almost always smiling and loves to laugh. Her laughter is so distinctive and contagious. (She oftentimes is getting told to stop laughing and do _______). After today, I will try my best not to EVER tell her to stop laughing. Here’s why: We were in the store browsing through all the different dresses. She picked out a handful to try on so we mosied over to the fitting room.
My daughter’s each are built differently. My oldest is thin and no matter what she wears, it seems “big” on her. My youngest daughter is growing like a weed and right now, I can’t keep up with her clothes. My middle daughter is petite and has straight hips.
She picked up her 4 dresses to try on and was smiling from ear to ear. There’s something about having Mommy day and shopping that make a 7 year old’s heart smile. She tried on the first dress and it fit beautifully. She looked so pretty. As she was twirling around in front of all the mirrors, I was daydreaming about shopping with her for her prom dress, or wedding dress. Oh! we have so many wonderful memories yet to be made. Then, she moves on to dress number two. It’s snug and not as flattering as the first. My daughter turns around and looks at herself in the mirror and just stops. She isn’t smiling anymore, she is just standing there with a serious, and sad face. I asked her if she wanted to try on the next one and that not everything always fits the same. She replied, “I’m fat.” I looked down. Her sky blue eyes were filled with tears. She continued, “I don’t look like so and so and I am fat.” “Stop that right now!” “You are not fat.” “You’re beautiful.” My heart sank. How in the world does my 7 year old daughter feel so badly about herself? Did I make her feel this way? Did I or my husband say something to make her think she was fat?
I bent down and looked her in the eyes and told her how much I love her. I told her she was as beautiful outside as she is inside. Her face began to brighten and she smiled her pretty little smile. The entire way home all I could think about was those two words, “I’m fat.” Then, I thought how much harder it is going to get then being 7 years old and trying on a dress with Mom.
There is no better time than right now to tell your daughters’ how amazing and precious they are. Tell them how unique and special God made them. Lift them up and fill them with positive affirming words. There will be a time for talks about keeping ourselves healthy etc. Right now, the time is to teach my girls to believe in this: Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.