Module 8 – Worksheet 2: The Gardener’s Reflection (My Authentic Voice)
Concept: This exercise is based on the Rogersian principle of Congruence (Authenticity). Our children are sponges, and they absorb how we talk about our own bodies, food, and mistakes. This worksheet is a private reflection to help you notice your own inner and outer monologue, so you can be a more authentic and positive role model.
Section 1: My Inner Monologue (What I say to myself)
- ✍️ When I look in the mirror, my first automatic thought is often…
- ✍️ When I eat something I consider “unhealthy,” my inner voice says…
- ✍️ When I make a mistake or feel I’m “not enough” as a parent, I tell myself…
- ✍️ A message I inherited from my family about appearance, weight, or food is…
Section 2: My Outer Monologue (What my child hears)
Think about the last week. Be honest and non-judgmental. This is just data!
- ✍️ A comment I made (or thought) about my own appearance, food, or exercise:
(e.g., “Ugh, I feel so fat in this.” “I was so bad, I ate a cookie.” “I have to go to the gym to burn this off.”)
- ✍️ A comment I made (or thought) about my child’s appearance, food, or body:
(e.g., “Are you sure you need more?” “You eat like a horse!” “Let’s fix your hair, it’s messy.”)
🖍️ Reflection: Planting a New Seed
What is one authentic, body-positive, or self-accepting message I can practice saying out loud this week? (It doesn’t have to be perfect, just real.)
- Example: “I’m not going to exercise today because my body feels tired and needs rest.”
- Example: “Wow, this food is delicious and it’s giving my body energy to play with you.”
- Example: (After a mistake) “Oops, Mommy got frustrated. I’m going to take a deep breath and try again.”
My New Authentic Message: