Let’s face it, parenting today has taken a bizarre turn. We seem to be overanalyzing every single word we say to our kids, even when those words are meant to uplift. Did you just compliment your daughter on her beauty? How dare you! Did you tell your son he’s handsome and strong? Better take that back. Apparently, our overly protected kids can’t handle a compliment without it wrecking their self-esteem. But I’m calling foul on that notion. Telling a little girl she’s pretty doesn’t mean you’re teaching her that her worth is tied solely to her looks. It means you simply think she looks lovely—end of story.
Remember the moment you first held your baby? Did you hesitate to say, “She’s beautiful!” or “He’s gorgeous!”? Of course not! In that moment of pure joy, you saw beauty and you voiced it. So why have we stopped? Our children are stunning, both inside and out, and they need to hear it. I don’t want my 20-year-old son being the first to tell your daughter that she’s pretty. No girl should have to wait that long to receive such affirmation. It’s heartbreaking to think of her saying, “Nobody ever told me that before.”
Worried that praising your kids for their looks will overshadow their strengths? Nonsense! You can tell them they’re beautiful while also reinforcing that they are smart, strong, and capable. Beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s about spirit and character too. If your child is being rude or intolerant, let them know that bad behavior can overshadow even the most beautiful faces.
The unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media are not just unattainable; they are absurd. When magazines aimed at girls aged 8 to 12 feature spreads on the “perfect” swimsuit for their prepubescent bodies, you know we’re in trouble. Young girls must understand that their beauty is valid, too. So, tell them! Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the “right” moment. Speak from the heart, and express everything you love about them—including their beauty.
Don’t hold back! Let them know they are beautiful while you still have the chance to be their biggest admirer. They are worth every compliment.
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Summary
In today’s parenting climate, we often hesitate to compliment our children on their beauty, fearing it may harm their self-esteem. However, acknowledging their outer beauty doesn’t diminish their inner qualities. It’s essential to celebrate our children’s beauty openly, reinforcing that they are valued not only for their looks but also for their intelligence and kindness. Let’s not shy away from the compliments; they are worthy of being heard!