“Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?” my daughter asked me today. To be honest, I wasn’t surprised—it seems I’ve hit a phase where I consider it a success just to have showered and changed out of my workout gear.
Makeup has never been a big part of my routine; in fact, the little I do own is tucked away in a Caboodles my mom gifted me back in high school, and some of those eyeshadows? Let’s just say they’ve seen better days.
As my daughter studied my face, I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking. Was I looking different compared to a few weeks ago? I’ve certainly earned the wrinkles that have settled in, and those bags under my eyes have become more prominent since I started my journey into motherhood nearly nine years ago.
With three young daughters who observe my every move, I hope they will learn to look in the mirror and embrace themselves rather than criticize their perceived flaws. After all, it’s often within those imperfections that true beauty shines through.
I want my daughters to prioritize skincare and appreciate their appearance, but I also want them to resist the urge to compare themselves to others or feel pressured to conform to someone else’s idea of beauty. My hope is that they grow into strong, self-assured women who recognize the unique beauty they possess—one that no amount of makeup can enhance.
Equally, I want my son to appreciate women for their natural beauty, which often gets obscured by layers of makeup that aren’t always necessary. I want all my children to understand that beauty can manifest in many forms.
So, what truly is beauty?
It’s a woman who smiles. It’s being healthy and confident. It’s strength, energy, and the ability to lift others up. Beauty lies in resilience and how a woman carries herself, unaffected by trivial matters. It’s found in the understanding that true worth comes from hard work and dedication.
Beauty is also how a woman cares for her family and herself—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
My children likely won’t remember the days I skipped the makeup or just applied a touch of lip gloss for special occasions. They won’t recall how I aged throughout their childhood or that my wrinkles sometimes troubled me more than I’d care to admit.
What I hope they will remember is how I embraced aging with grace, humor, and dignity. I want them to look back and see that I taught them beauty runs much deeper than skin-deep. I want them to cherish the dance parties we had in the kitchen, even when I was in comfy clothes, hair in a messy bun, and no makeup on.
“So, Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?”
I smiled, kissed my daughter’s nose, and simply replied, “Well, I didn’t feel like I needed it today. What do you think?”
With that, my daughter beamed, wrapped her arms around me, and confidently said, “Nope. I think you look pretty just the way you are.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to instill in our children the understanding that beauty is not just about appearance—it’s about who we are inside and how we treat ourselves and others. For more insights on beauty and parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: In this heartfelt reflection, Mia Thompson shares her thoughts on beauty and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of teaching her daughters to embrace their natural selves while also valuing their well-being. She hopes to instill in her children the understanding that true beauty lies far beyond physical appearance.