Jessica Simpson will raise daughter with a ‘positive body image’

CEBU, Philippines - Jessica Simpson’s weight was a constant tabloid topic during both of her pregnancies, but as it turns out, the mom of two was her own harshest critic.

In a guest blog post for Parents.com, published October 30, the singer and fashion mogul writes candidly about body image and what she wants her 17-month-old daughter, Maxwell, and 4-month-old son, Ace, to learn from her.

“My pregnancies were well documented and my struggles with my weight and body image have played out in front of the world,” the 32-year-old mom writes. “As hard as that has been, the hardest part is to realize that with all the hurtful and harsh criticism from others, I have been the hardest on myself.”

“Raising Maxwell makes me realize that I don’t want her to see me beat myself up for things like food choices or numbers on a scale. I don’t want her to learn anything like that from me,” she continues. “Those things don’t determine who we are and instead make us feel terrible about ourselves.”

Jessica wants her daughter “to value herself, listen to herself and tune out the world,” adding, “I want her to know her value, rather than spending her energy fighting negative voices from within. I want to teach her to figure out what is truly right for her rather than worrying about what anyone else thinks.”

Other words of wisdom from mama Jess? Build a strong support system. “Learn to accept compliments as graciously as you give them, find a partner who supports you in good times and bad, and always be yourself. The world will try to fit you into a mold, but carve your own path.” (FREEMAN)