Kylie Kelce, a mother of four and host of the podcast “Not Gonna Lie,” recently opened up about her ongoing journey to foster a positive body image, particularly in front of her daughters. The 34-year-old, who has children Wyatt (6), Elliotte (5), Bennett (3), and Finn (15 months) with her husband Jason Kelce, shared her thoughts in a candid discussion with Olympian Ilona Maher during a podcast episode aired on 2 July.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kylie-kelce-family-070226-4c847b33cb464605aae664df1d3ba733.jpg)
Kylie acknowledges the challenges often associated with body image, especially after having children. She revealed that she makes a deliberate effort to speak positively about her body when around her daughters. “Sometimes it is a conscious effort to talk about my body in a positive way in front of my kids. I will say things in front of my daughters where I am actively speaking the opposite of what my brain is telling me,” she explained.
An incident that particularly highlighted this matter occurred when one of her daughters commented on Kylie’s appearance while she was preparing to leave the house. The young girl exclaimed, “It looks like you have a baby in your belly!” Kylie clarified that she is not expecting but used the moment as a teaching opportunity instead of letting her self-doubt take centre stage. “I’m like, ‘Oh no, that’s where my organs are,’ and, ‘Mom carried all four of you in this belly, how special is that?’” she recounted.
In sharing this experience, Kylie stressed the importance of reframing narratives around body image in front of her children. While she acknowledged her desire for a flatter stomach, she chooses to communicate the significance of her physical form, highlighting her role in bringing her daughters into the world. “That’s where I made you,” she said, turning a moment of insecurity into one of empowerment.
The podcaster described her practice of “manifesting” positivity, where she often expresses sentiments contrary to her feelings. This approach is not just about encouraging her daughters but also about reshaping her own perceptions. In a light-hearted exchange, Maher joked that Kylie might have decided to discard the offending skirt they were discussing. Kylie responded with a laugh, indicating that the skirt would not be making an appearance anytime soon.
Further reinforcing her points, Kylie mentioned another playful moment when her daughter Elliotte referred to her bare stomach as “so squishy.” Although this comment made Kylie internally cringe, she recognised it as an opportunity to teach her child about body diversity and acceptance. “Obviously your stomach doesn’t look the same, Kylie! You carried four human beings. Your stomach was big enough to fit 8.5 lb. babies four times. That’s crazy!” she reflected.
Beyond her discussions of body image, Kylie recently celebrated a special episode of her podcast while on a solo trip to Disneyland Paris. Though her daughters were at home, she enjoyed the much-needed time away. “I came to Disneyland Paris for a mum’s girls trip. Do I have four girls? Yes. But you pack a 1, a 3, a 5 and a 6-year-old on a seven-hour flight? Mum needed a proper girls’ trip,” she remarked, highlighting the challenges of travelling with young children.
Kylie’s thoughtful reflection on these subjects resonates with many parents striving to navigate their own body image struggles while addressing the perceptions of their children. Her approach illustrates a balance between vulnerability and education, offering her daughters a model of self-acceptance and appreciation.
Ultimately, Kylie Kelce’s commitment to fostering a positive dialogue around body image serves as an example for parents seeking to instil confidence and self-love in their children. Through candid conversations and a focus on the beauty of their shared experiences, she is paving the way for her daughters to grow up embracing their own bodies.