In an age where unrealistic beauty standards and airbrushed images saturate media platforms, one mother’s bold decision has ignited a fierce debate. Instead of following what everyone else thinks, she did something empowering and accepting. She painted stretch marks on her daughter’s doll.
Kate writes books for kids.
Kate Claxton, is a talented author dedicated to inspiring children. Among her notable works is the multi-award-winning picture book, “My Mum’s a Tiger!” Crafted with love and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many, Claxton created this heartfelt story as a cherished gift for her baby’s first birthday.
Little did she know that her creation would transcend personal boundaries and resonate with countless individuals around the globe. “My Mum’s a Tiger!” serves as a powerful reflection of the experiences of numerous real-life people who grew up being told that their scars, stripes, spots, and so-called ’flaws’ should be concealed.
She has body-inclusive dolls for her kids at home.
Claxton not only writes empowering books but also practices what she preaches in her own home. Recognizing the importance of body inclusivity and normalizing the beauty of individuality, Claxton provides her children with body-inclusive dolls. As much as she adores her acclaimed work, “My Mum’s a Tiger,” which beautifully embraces tiger stripes and other unique features, Claxton understands her daughter’s fascination with dolls and their ability to be dressed and undressed.
Consequently, she took it upon herself to modify one of these dolls, adding the very stripes that so many people cover up. Claxton believes in embracing differences and encourages others to do the same, offering a poignant line from her book: “Let’s take what makes us different and instead of trying to hide, let’s be more like animals and wear our marks with pride.”
Some people criticized her for painting the dolls.
Inevitably, not everyone embraced Kate Claxton’s initiative of painting the dolls. But Claxton takes pride in the fact that her Barbie craft session sparked conversations and stirred up reactions. However, she acknowledges that reading the comments can sometimes be disheartening, particularly when encountering individuals who completely miss the point.
Among the critical comments, one person questioned the motive behind painting the dolls, asking, “Why make young girls worry more about their bodies? I’ve got no stretch marks, so maybe it would be better to teach them about being positive rather than negative about their bodies.” Another comment echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “Why make girls worry more all the time? I had three kids and no stretch marks. Make them think positive.”
She doesn’t listen to the mean comments.
Despite encountering some less-than-supportive remarks, Claxton chooses to scroll past those comments, refusing to let them overshadow the positive impact and meaningful discussions her efforts have generated. While acknowledging these differing viewpoints, Claxton remains committed to her mission of promoting positivity and fostering a healthy body image in children.
Another mom that received a lot of attention for her unique parenting style was actress Kristen Bell. Known for her refreshing approach to raising her children, Bell brings a combination of compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness to the table. In a candid moment on her podcast, Kristen Bell openly shared a personal anecdote about her daughter’s developmental journey, revealing that her daughter wore diapers until the age of 5.
Preview photo credit reallyratherwild / Instagram
Turia Pitt and Michael Hoskin: A Love Story of Resilience and Inspiration
Turia Pitt and Michael Hoskin’s story is a powerful testament to the boundless strength of love and resilience. Six years ago, Turia, a former model, endured a life-changing event when she was caught in a devastating fire while competing in an ultramarathon in Australia. She suffered severe burns that affected 64% of her body, leaving her with only a slim chance of survival, according to doctors.
Amid this unimaginable tragedy, Michael, Turia’s boyfriend at the time, made an extraordinary decision. He left his job as a police officer to become her caregiver and unwavering pillar of support. Over the course of her recovery, Turia underwent 200 operations, lost seven fingers, and faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life during a two-year rehabilitation. In 2020, she courageously shared her story, recounting the harrowing moments when a 100km race in remote Western Australia turned into a fight for survival against flames.
During this arduous journey, Michael’s love and commitment never wavered. At a pivotal moment in Turia’s recovery, he gifted her a diamond ring he had purchased years earlier. In the idyllic setting of the Maldives, he proposed, symbolizing their enduring love and hope for the future.
Turia’s recovery required her to wear a mask for two years, a difficult yet necessary step in her healing process. Through it all, Michael provided constant reassurance, reminding her daily of her beauty and strength. In 2016, after seven years of challenges and triumphs that included countless hours in hospitals, the couple exchanged vows in a deeply emotional ceremony, solidifying their bond and gratitude for one another.
Reflecting on their love, Turia shared, “I never wanted to sleep next to my partner. Now I think how lucky I am to be able to sleep next to this beauty. He’s a nice guy, and I’m very happy to meet him. Every day I wake up next to Michael is a wonderful day.”
As they navigated the complexities of rebuilding their lives, Turia and Michael felt a shared longing to expand their family.
In 2017, Turia announced her pregnancy on Instagram, a moment of joy that captured the hearts of many. Despite being unable to run marathons during her pregnancy, she remained active and resilient. On December 7, 2017, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Hakawai, marking the start of a new chapter.
Their love story continued to grow with the birth of their second son, Rahiti Hoskin, on February 9, 2020.
Today, Turia and Michael are happily married, raising their children and cherishing the love that has guided them through life’s trials and triumphs.
Their journey is a remarkable reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. By sharing their story, we celebrate hope, resilience, and the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable when love is at the heart of it all.
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