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Let’s Celebrate Our Kids’ Beauty: A Call to Action for Parents
It seems we’ve collectively lost our way in parenting. How do I know? Today’s parents can be overly protective and critical of every word that comes out of our mouths, especially when it comes to complimenting our children.
Did you just tell your daughter she is beautiful? That’s a no-no in some circles. Did you remind your son that he is strong and handsome? Well, you might want to reconsider that too. Apparently, today’s children are fragile creatures who can’t handle compliments without suffering a blow to their self-esteem. I refuse to accept this notion.
Telling a little girl she looks pretty does not mean we’re teaching her that her worth is solely tied to her looks. It simply means you think she exhibits beauty in that moment. When you first held your child, did you hesitate before declaring, “She is stunning!” or “He is so handsome!”? Of course not! You felt that spark of love and admiration right away, and you shared it.
Why have we strayed from this? Our children are inherently beautiful, inside and out, and they deserve to hear it. I don’t want my future son to be the first person to tell your daughter she’s pretty at twenty. She should have heard it countless times before then, and the thought of her saying, “No one has ever told me that” is heartbreaking.
Are you worried that affirming their beauty will overshadow other qualities like intelligence and strength? Nonsense! You can celebrate their beauty while also emphasizing their worth beyond appearances. Remind them that their character and actions shape how they are perceived, and that attitude can overshadow even the most striking looks.
The unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media are appalling. When magazines aimed at young girls publish pages on swimwear for pre-adolescent bodies, it’s clear we need to shift the dialogue. Girls need to understand that beauty comes in many forms, and they should hear it from us.
Don’t hesitate. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or age. Share your love for your children, including their beauty, as soon as you feel it. Stop holding back before it’s too late. Tell them now, while they are still your little wonders, and you are still their biggest cheerleader. They truly deserve it!
For more insights on family life and parenting, check out our other blog posts, such as this one here. If you’re exploring home insemination or fertility options, Make A Mom is a great authority on the topic, and UCSF provides excellent resources for understanding fertility insurance and pregnancy options.
In summary, let’s embrace the joy of celebrating our children’s beauty—both inside and out. Compliment them freely and often, reinforcing their worth beyond appearance, so they grow up confident and secure in who they are.
