How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

I’ll Take What She’s Having

in Family on

I watch my 8 year old SweetGirl don her suit, and throw on her cap and goggles. I can see the butterflies beginning to stir within. It’s a brand new session of synchronized swimming and she is here at the local pool, braving it. Sans BFF.

This group of young girls is a wonderfully eclectic mix.

These burgeoning young women are all jittery. A combination of nerves and excitement. Anxious to make new friends and master this new sport. What I find remarkable is that not one of this group of 9 is sucking in their stomachs, covering their bodies with towels, looking at their reflections in the mirrors with shaking heads or disapproving eyes.

They are confident in their little Speedo suits.

They are beautiful.

I am proud.

So what is that magic age?

At what point do confident little girls become creatures obsessed with how they look. At what point do self assured little girls turn into body obsessed creatures of worry?

How do I bottle this current confidence and swagger, this lightness of heart, and keep that potion for when she needs it during those terrifying teen years…….and beyond!

For now I am thankful for her confidence, for her smile, but wow, a potion like that, available when needed? What a gift that would be.

    • Comments

    3. Man these days I need a double shot of that magic potion! I don’t have one sexy bone in my body right now….or at least I don’t see one! I thought pregnant women were supposed to feel beautiful. Not frumpy, bloated and fat. Hmph. That’s another thing I will add to the growing list of things mothers don’t tell you! 🙂

    4. I think the age varies with the child and actually how much media they are exposed to. The more they see on TV, etc., the earlier they become self-conscious. With a great mom like you, I have no doubt she will be fine!

    5. My oldest is 9 and already I can see her blossoming into a hormonal, teary teen….and at the same time she is unsure of her place in the world. Its a difficult age for her…and for mexx

    6. You’re doing just fine right now…writing about it all and your feelings…print out your blog…look at this in twenty years when your little one has children of her own. Trust me.