Tyra - Body Positive & Relationship w/ Mom

I watched Tyra Banks on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah.  In typical Tyra fashion, she was a bit cooky at times, but there were a couple things that really stood out to me.

• I have always loved and admired how body positive she is and she talked about a time when she was modeling in Milan and was told her booty was too big for modeling.  Her mom took her out for pizza that night and with Tyra in tears, eating pizza her mom asked her what companies want models with booties. As Tyra answered, “Victoria's Secret, Sports Illustrated, etc.” her mom had her write down the list.  After dinner she gave Tyra the list and said those are the companies to focus on.

• Tyra talked about her relationship with her mom, how close they were, they are etc.  After sharing this video with my mom I didn’t want her to think that I had wanted or that she should have had a similar relationship with me that Tyra and her mom did, so I told my mom I appreciate that she followed my lead in how I like to communicate.  It is so silly now, but I remember when I started my period, I was too embarrassed and uncomfortable talking to my mom about it, so I wrote her a note telling her I started my period. She then wrote me a sweet note back, got me all the stuff I needed and said I could come to her if I needed anything.  Looking back at it, I love that she wrote me a note since that is how I had approached her.

• After telling Allie about this, she shared an idea about having a notebook to communicate with kids.  So you can have a notebook for each kid and leave it in their bedroom. They can write notes to mom/dad in it and mom/dad can read it and respond in the notebook. I thought it was a great way to open up communication, whether kids may be more comfortable writing, or drawing pictures to express themselves.