Summertime is filled with fun in the sun, time in the pool, playing at the park. But I know it can also bring feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with our mom bods if we’re completely honest with ourselves. We want to have fun with our kids, but baring it all in a bathing suit, those mom style-shorts, and cute tank tops, brings unpleasant talk about our imperfect body.
I’ll be the first to admit after having 3 kids my body is not where it once was! We are our own worst critiques, aren’t we? I had our third baby ten months ago, and if I am being totally honest there are certain angles I don’t love looking at in my full length mirror. But I don’t want lack of confidence with my postpartum body and negative self talk about my flaws, to keep me from being fully present and enjoying this summer season with my kids.
So how can we balance loving our bodies where they are at today, and showing up daily for our kids this summer?
Here are 3 Easy Ways to Rock Your Mom Bod
Don’t put your worth in your weight!
It is just a number. Along with your pant size, it doesn’t matter! We need to stop allowing negative thoughts to creep in when we put on our shorts (maybe they are a bit snug right now), and we need to get a bigger size. Or compare ourselves to other moms on social media.
Ditch the Scale
I go by how my clothes fit, my energy levels, and how I physically feel. I won’t let a number on the scale dictate how I feel about my body. I’m fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Besides, as women, our weight can fluctuate several pounds per day due to changes in hormones. So I say ditch the scale, listen to your body and pay attention to how your clothes are fitting and let go the that “ideal” number you have in your head about what weight you should be.
Remember, Your Kids Are Watching and Listening
How we view ourselves, what we say, how to stand in front of the mirror matters. Let’s love our imperfections, lumps, bumps, scars, and stretch marks and view our bodies as strong, capable, and beautiful. After all, they grew and carried life! That is amazing and should be celebrated, not shamed
Tips to finding confidence and contentment in your own skin this summer
Instead of focusing on what you don’t like about your body (the baby weight you need to lose, cellulite, the quarantine 15 you gained, etc) focus on what you do love about your body. Your strong shoulders, your eyes, your unique features, your smile. When we focus on the positive and stop dwelling on the negative, a shift starts to happen, and we find contentment right where we are.
Wear the swimsuit! And be proud of your mom bod right where it is today. Take care of yourself, fuel your body with whole, nutritious food, exercise daily, in order to be the best version of yourself for your family.
Don’t let your imperfections get in the way of joy and living abundantly today. Play in the pool with your kids and get your hair wet. A woman who loves her body is confident to wear whatever she has on and knows she is enough.
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and that fit your personal style. If you don’t like shorts, then have a few summer dresses in your closet you love and feel good in. You don’t feel comfortable in a 2 piece suit, find a one-piece suit that flatters your body type (when in doubt go with black…it’s classic, goes with everything & slimming). Get a cute kimono cover-up if you want more coverage to walk around the pool, beach lake.
Fit tip for shorts, go up 1 size in your high rise shorts for the most flattering it. Wearing shorts that are slightly loose will help slim your hips/thighs. It’s better to have them loose vs. skin tight.
I hope you are able to embrace your beautiful, unique, imperfect body this summer and really enjoy being a mama to your kiddos who love you just the way you are!
How do you rock your mom bod?
