Self-Love Isn’t a Slogan
It’s officially the midpoint of 2026, and we’re living in full-blown information overload. With the rise of AI and the precision of big data, we now exist in a world of hyper-personalized content. Ads don’t just target demographics anymore, they target you.
Your devices are always tracking. I realized this when I told my brother-in-law, in person, that I couldn’t join a family run because of two meniscus tears. Ten minutes later, Instagram served me ads for $90 knee sleeves. No microphone needed. Just data doing what it does best.
Here’s the problem: we’re being targeted at our insecurities. In a world where quick fixes like Ozempic and peptides are marketed as shortcuts to health, it’s never been easier to feel bad about your body.
And our kids are watching. They notice differences. Who’s faster, stronger, taller. Who can do a pull-up or a backflip. And they’re also listening to how we talk about ourselves.
If you’ve gained some weight or slowed down since your 20s, welcome to the club. But how you talk about it matters. Saying, “It’s harder for Dad to dunk because my knees hurt,” models awareness and self-respect. Saying, “I’ve got a dad bod,” or worse, teaches self-criticism.
The same goes for food. “No cake for me, it goes straight to my stomach,” sends a message. Modelling balance and moderation sends a better one.
Our kids don’t need perfect bodies modelled for them. They need healthy relationships with movement, food and self-worth. That comes from what they see us do every day. Stay active in ways you enjoy. Make thoughtful choices. Speak to yourself with the same respect you’d want for them.
Self-love isn’t a slogan. It’s a habit your kids are quietly learning from you. So take care of your health. Be kind to yourself. And remember, the example you set will always speak louder than the jokes you make at your own expense.
Jeremy McCall is a married father of 3, a social services case manager, and known as “The Dadfather”, being the founder and Past President of Dad Club London.
