We had a busy week, my girls and I. Tuesday and Wednesday was our annual back to school shopping extravaganza with Grammy. We went to Birch Run this year, instead of going to Lansing, thinking we would try something new. My girls, not really considered large, are in fact, wearing larger sizes. They both have little "bay window" tummies, and their feet are growing like weeds. My girls seem to never stop growing, no matter how many bricks we tape to their heads!! They really like themselves and I am so grateful for that self-confidence they have now. I know that it will shift later, that's just par for the course with girls. Right now, I am helping them to focus on who they are inside, and they are receptive to that.
Well, as we walked in and out of the stores, we quickly realized that the clothing companies think every 8 and 10 year old girl are built like twigs. I was getting more and more upset, watching them excitedly approach an article of clothing, then find out it doesn't come in a girls "plus" size. To make a long story short, I looked at my extremely positive and patient mom, and said, "I am so tired of this!! I need a time out." I then quickly walked way ahead of them, because I was sure the tears were coming soon. After all, I just want my girls to be happy, bottom line. I don't want to have to shop in the petites or juniors. Those clothes are too mature for them, and they want to fit in with their peers. It's a normal thing. I don't want them to feel they don't fit some ridiculous mold and begin to dislike themselves. It can happen so fast. I finally got a grip on myself, and we made the decision to shop in Saginaw instead, where we were sure they had a girls plus section in a few stores. We spent a long time, outfitting them, and soon we were all feeling some joy again. The most important thing that stood out with me was that the whole time, my girls were just patient. They didn't get mad or upset, as I did. They didn't pout or whine. They just stood there. Maybe that's why I wanted to cry. They were just being so good!
The rest of our trip was great...we had wonderful dinners, we enjoyed the hot tub and pool, and everyone was having a great time. I am still upset with the clothing companies, and my mission is to research them all, email them all with my concerns, and do what I can to help this situation. I know I'm not the only mom who feels this frustration. Just like all women aren't the same size, neither are girls. Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to support girls' self-esteem!! Also, if you are sick of seeing girls underwear in bikini form, starting with toddlers, it's time to start bombarding these companies with complaints!
2 comments:
I so know what you are talking about...I remember when I was their ages, I had the same problem...one size group was too small, but the next was to big (or mature). It was always so frustrating. It's wonderful your girls have such great attitudes about it...it's really amazing the things they can teach us!
I felt the same way while school shopping with Jayna this year. I am trying so hard to teach her that you just need to be healthy on the inside and love who God made you to be, but the stores just don't see it that way. We struggled with jeans this year. She finally just decided to wear them long or roll them up, no big deal. Those girls can teach us a lot about life! Keep teaching your girls God's ways, not the world's ways. You are doing great!
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