“Mirror, mirror, on the wall… who’s the fairest of them all?” My childhood fascination with fairy tales runs deeper than I realized. Before you judge me as another cliché former pageant queen, hear me out—there’s merit in nurturing confident children, and the journey starts with a little self-love. As a mother, I’ve found that encouraging my kids to appreciate themselves isn’t something to shy away from; it’s something to celebrate.
Let’s rewind to when my daughter, who is now almost four, was just a tiny newborn. It began innocently enough: I would hold her over my shoulder to burp her and caught glimpses of both of us in the mirror. What started as a practical way to check on her quickly evolved into a delightful game where we’d make silly faces, sing, and share giggles as we watched our reflections. Those moments uplifted both of our spirits, turning mundane days into mini-celebrations.
As she grew, I noticed that mirror time became essential for her. By six months old, she would stop in her tracks to admire her reflection anywhere we went—at home, the mall, or a restaurant. Just a few seconds in front of a mirror would draw out her biggest smiles and coos. Even during a difficult moment like her baptism, the sight of her reflection was all it took to calm her down. I was nurturing a self-aware child before she even turned one!
Our mirror play continued with my second daughter, now two years old. The same joy unfolded as we engaged in our reflection games. To this day, both girls adore standing in front of mirrors—talking, dancing, and playfully expressing themselves. Am I raising self-absorbed children? Perhaps, but I believe there’s a silver lining.
Instead of hiding mirrors away, I realized this could be an opportunity to foster self-love—a crucial lesson for our daughters as they grow into women in a world that often imposes harsh standards. Many remarkable individuals I know, young and old, grapple with their self-worth, and as a mother, one of my goals is to cultivate confidence in my children. Looking in the mirror and liking what you see shouldn’t be a struggle; it should be a source of happiness.
Right now, my girls are joyful when they gaze into mirrors. They find comfort in their own smiles and movements. They don’t fret about looking tired or messy, and I hope this sense of self-assuredness remains with them as they face the world, where mean peers and social media might challenge their confidence.
In a society increasingly fixated on appearances—thanks, Instagram!—life coaches often advocate for daily affirmations in front of mirrors to combat negativity. This practice is not superficial; it’s fundamental for building happiness, confidence, and resilience. Of course, there is a fine line between healthy self-esteem and arrogance, and as mothers, we must guide our children to navigate this balance.
With a bit of luck and some moderated mirror time, we can all aspire to live our best lives. If you’re interested in learning more about family-building options, check out this excellent resource for a deeper understanding of the journey ahead.
In summary, nurturing self-love in our children can empower them to thrive in a challenging world. By encouraging mirror play and positive self-image, we can help them grow up happy and confident.