I recently shared a selfie on my blog before heading to the pool with my kids, captioned, “On our way to the pool! Let’s see if this dad bod trend is still in style because I’m going shirtless.” If you haven’t heard of the “Dad Bod” phenomenon, it all started when a Clemson University sophomore named Mackenzie Pearson wrote an article titled “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod.” She claimed that women were more drawn to men whose physiques are a blend of a slight beer belly and a hint of fitness rather than the chiseled abs of fitness enthusiasts. This revelation gave many guys the green light to forgo their gym routines, while women began to question why there wasn’t a similar celebration of the “Mom Bod.”
Shortly after I posted my selfie, a follower remarked, “I wish Mom Bod was a thing.” Ironically, as I was parked in a Target lot with our three kids eagerly waiting to swim, my wife Emma was inside searching for a new swimsuit because her old one no longer fit like it used to. We’d had a lengthy discussion before leaving home about her appearance; I insisted she looked beautiful in her swimsuit, while she countered that motherhood had altered her figure.
Eventually, Emma returned with two options, unable to choose, and we were running out of time. “You’ll look stunning in both,” I reassured her. As she emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, looking poised and lovely with our toddler, Mia, on her hip, I was reminded of how incredible she is—my partner in life, the mother of our children, and someone who has unwaveringly supported me for over a decade. Yet, as she walked towards me, I noticed a hint of uncertainty in her demeanor, likely due to the new swimsuit.
“You look fantastic,” I said, but she only offered a half-smile—a familiar reaction that left me wondering if she truly believed my compliment. At that moment, I decided to take my shirt off for the first time in years. This newfound confidence stemmed from shedding 25 pounds through calorie counting, although I still had a bit more to lose according to the BMI charts. But as I played with Mia, Emma snapped a photo, and I was quick to delete it, thinking I looked out of shape.
“I deleted it because I looked fat,” I explained when she asked why. “You looked sexy,” she replied, turning the tables as she tried to boost my confidence about my dad bod. It was a moment that made me realize that neither of us fully accepted compliments because we were both grappling with our self-image. The media has shaped our perceptions of attractiveness, often promoting unrealistic ideals that leave many feeling inadequate.
Yet the truth is, I see Emma as remarkable in so many ways. Her love for our children, her dedication to being a full-time mom while studying part-time, and all the sacrifices she makes for our family are what truly make her beautiful. If only there were a way to capture that essence in a photo, she would grace the covers of magazines without a doubt. A flat stomach and perfect dimensions carry little weight compared to the love and commitment she shows every day.
As we left the pool, I embraced Emma by the van and whispered, “You were undoubtedly the most beautiful woman at the pool today.” She smiled and replied, “Only to you.” “That’s all that matters,” I said, sealing it with a kiss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of the Mom Bod deserves celebration—it’s not just about physical appearance, but the incredible journey of motherhood and partnership that defines beauty. For more insights on motherhood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at NICHD. If you’re looking for additional guidance, you might find helpful articles about fertility boosters and eye issues in toddlers at Make a Mom and Recognizing Eye Issues respectively.