Holy crap, I officially am freaked out.

A Barbie Doll recently arrived in the mail at our house. “Whoa!” one of my children said, as the package was opened. “Freaky–the eyes are so big, and the legs are so long.”

I’ve never paid much attention to dolls and subliminal messages they send about “ideal” body types. But, as I watched some of my children ponder the Barbie Doll, I realized this: I don’t know any woman who looks like a Barbie Doll. No hips? Unnaturally long legs? No chest? Super-elongated and rail-thin body? Perfect skin?

I told my youngest child: “Well, this is an un-natural body type. Know that people aren’t really supposed to look like that.”‘

“OK, Daddy.”

I hope my kids are happy with their body types. I love them unconditionally how they are. You don’t have to go far before you read about eating disorders (an example here). In fact, many have written about the negative effects of Barbie Doll. I don’t want my children, male or female, doing unnatural acts to achieve a body type that is not attainable.

Barbie Doll, I really want to put you in our blender.  But, your Genie is already out of the bottle, and one of my children is playing happily with you. Grrrr. Watch your back, Barbie: I’m on to you.

Kids, I love you as you are! Truly.