Carrie Bickmore has voiced her distress and feeling of hopelessness at raising her two-year-old daughter Evie to have a healthy body image.
The mum-of-two described feeling like improving women’s views of their bodies was a “lost cause” after a segment on The Project discussing Taryn Brumfitt’s body positivity documentary Embrace.
Bickmore alluded to her own doubts when it came to body image despite growing up with positive role models.
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“When I think about growing up, I didn’t grow up in a family that focused on body image, weight, or anything,” the 36-year-old said.
“Yet I still have days, hours, moments, where I look in the mirror and know how I think and feel about myself – let alone my daughter, who’s growing up in this world.
“I actually feel… What is that world going to – how are they going to feel about themselves?”
Bickmore said she felt that rather than getting better, the problem was only getting worse.
“What can I do as a mum to make sure she grows up with a good body image? I don’t know. I feel like it’s a lost cause.”
Co-host Waleed Aly agreed, adding “I feel like it’s a real problem that’s spinning out of control, getting worse and worse.”
However, we truly believe women’s body image can change for the better – but they’re not going to without women like Brumfitt pushing for it.
Brumfitt’s documentary Embrace shines a light on the damaging effects of low self-esteem, but also the wondrous results of women learning to embrace their bodies, regardless of shape and size.
Mia Freedman, who features in the documentary, has made it her mission to promote healthy self-views, by turning body-shaming of her “confronting” stomach on its head.
Whether it’s sharing images of actual vaginas, or ditching the stomach-suckers once and for all – there are things we can all do to make the world a kinder place for our kids and ourselves. Baby steps.
What do you think should be done to promote a healthy body image in kids?
Top Comments
Carrie, I don't have a body image issue. I often reflect on why and I think it is because my parents focused on my brain, personality and abilities and I never witnessed my mother worry about looks or weight...and she is an ex-beauty queen! So I think you can do it too, although you may want to limit her media and social media consumption too!
Body image will improve once every one realises that we are a 'soul' that is connected to a body. What our body looks like should not define our worthiness. If we respect ourselves we can do our best to take care of our body because it has the honour of serving our spirit during our time on earth. Most forms of depression and mental illnesses are due to not understanding our true nature. You can only attain inner peace once everything can be put into perspective.
Exactly Guest. The body is the vehicle for the soul/spirit; nurturing the spirit will enhance the body in a way no artificial means could ever achieve.