Moms were angered by government-issued school book in 2017
A look back at the Grade 1 reading book that angered moms everywhere.
Moms everywhere were left outraged by this Grade 1 government-issued book and I decided to look into it.
As you can see, the words used painted a very judgmental and old school perspective of the roles that mom and dad play in the home.
Read more: Durban mom concerned over Grade 1 reading book speaks out
The book was published in 1997, the year in which I matriculated. I would have thought this type of narrow-minded roleplaying would have existed 100s of years ago, not 20 years ago?!
Read: Education Department addresses Grade 1 book drama
For me, it is concerning that children at the age of six are being taught that you need to act and look a certain way in order to fit in or be accepted by society, and many of you shared my sentiment:
I'm not a thin or tall mom, I don't cook, I do love to shop, I have tattoos, and I have a full-time job - does that make me any less of a mom?
Read: KZN listeners react to controversial Grade 1 reading book
My four-year-old daughter had her first body conscious moment around the time this story came to light, where she wanted to cover up around the pool as her tummy was showing, and said it was big. What?!
This type of reading material adds fuel to an already smoldering fire where girls' relationships with their beautiful bodies are concerned.
I hope that since we all came forward, things will change, but I will continue to teach my little girl that she is perfect just as she is and to love all people as they are.