Menu
- Parenting
- The Beauty of the Mom Bod
by Jason Miller
Updated: Jan. 8, 2016
Originally Published: July 24, 2014
Recently, I shared a selfie on my social media account while heading to the pool with my kids. The caption read, “Off to the pool! Fingers crossed the dad bod trend is still in because I’m going shirtless.”
In case you missed it, the “Dad Bod” phenomenon gained traction when a college student named Sarah Thompson wrote a piece titled “Why Women Love the Dad Bod.” She suggested that women often prefer men whose bodies reflect a comfortable mix of indulgence and fitness, rather than the chiseled physiques typically glorified in the media. This idea quickly caught on, leading men to feel liberated from the pressure of strict workouts while leaving women wondering about the concept of a “Mom Bod.”
Shortly after I posted my selfie, a follower commented, “I wish the Mom Bod was recognized.” Ironically, at that moment, I was parked in a Target lot, with all three kids eagerly awaiting a swim, while my wife, Lisa, was inside searching for a new swimsuit because her old one no longer fit the way it used to. We had a bit of a debate before leaving home, as I insisted she looked stunning in her swimsuit, while she lamented how motherhood had changed her figure.
Eventually, she returned to the car with two new swimsuits, unable to choose between them due to time constraints. “You’ll look fantastic in both,” I assured her.
Lisa stepped out of the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, looking poised and beautiful, our little one, Mia, perched on her hip. She embodied the essence of motherhood, the partner I’ve shared a decade with, the woman who supported me through my education and nurtures our children with grace. Yet, as she approached me while I applied sunscreen to our older kids, I sensed her uncertainty about her appearance in the new suit.
“You look incredible,” I complimented. She responded with a tentative smile, leaving me unsure if she doubted my words or simply didn’t feel it herself.
That was when I decided to take my shirt off. It was the first time in years I felt bold enough to do so at the pool. While I had recently shed 25 pounds by being mindful of my eating habits, I still wasn’t at my ideal weight according to the BMI chart. But as a father of three, I thought I might finally be able to enjoy some shirtless swimming.
However, about an hour later, Lisa captured a photo of me playing with Mia. Upon seeing it, I felt dissatisfied with my appearance and deleted it. “Why’d you delete that?” she asked when she noticed. “I looked overweight,” I replied with a shrug. “You looked attractive,” she countered. Our roles had reversed; now she was the one trying to boost my confidence about my dad bod, while I had been attempting to reassure her moments before.
So what exactly is the Dad Bod? It’s largely a media construct, born from an article by one woman. The irony lies in the fact that neither Lisa nor I fully accept each other’s compliments, as we both struggle with our self-image. The media perpetuates a narrow definition of attractiveness that is often unattainable.
Here’s the truth: I find my wife awe-inspiring in countless ways. Her love for our children, her dedication to our family, her commitment as a full-time mom and part-time student, all while excelling in both roles – that’s what truly makes her beautiful. If there were a way to encapsulate her passion and sacrifice in a photograph, she would grace the cover of every magazine.
After our swim, as we loaded the kids into the car, I pulled Lisa close and said, “You were, without a doubt, the most stunning woman at the pool today.” With a smile, she replied, “To you.” “That’s all that matters,” I said, and we shared a sweet kiss.
In conclusion, the idea of the “Mom Bod” should be cherished and celebrated. It represents so much more than just physical appearance; it embodies the love, dedication, and sacrifices that make motherhood truly exceptional.
For further insights into motherhood, check out resources like Women’s Health, or explore our other post on fertility boosters for men at Make a Mom. For those interested in healing ointments related to this topic, you can also visit Intracervical Insemination.