This is a spin off from a post where I mentioned breaking the cycle of crazy in my family and trying to raise LO without some of the weird beliefs and prejudices that colored my upbringing and still persist in the family at large. My family has some awesome characteristics and strengths, like our sense of humor and willingness to laugh in the WORST situations, but some ‘core values’ need to be extinguished. I will do my best to nip the following in the bud:
- the idea that women’s looks are the most important thing about them and the being sexually wanted by a man is an accomplishment.
- Ties into above, the idea that my daughter’s looks/weight are a reflection on me (weird!) and indicative of her worthiness. I like this article: http://hopeave.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/how-to-talk-to-your-daughter-about-her-body/
- That a man’s love, be it your father, husband or son, is what makes you or breaks you.
- The inverse of the above, the idea that men are useless and can't be expected to take care of anything or trusted or even admired (but we still desperately want their attention!) The poor boys in my family didn't get off any easier than the girls.
- Addiction and addiction mentality. Enough said.
- Remnants of prejudice against different ethnicity, cultures and sexual orientations. My generation is pretty on the ball with this but there are some holdouts and I won’t allow that kind of talk around my daughter.

Any family values that you are hoping NOT to pass down?