I may be a little biased, but I can’t help but see how stunning my daughter is. She’s truly a sight to behold with her bright blue eyes, framed by dark lashes, a radiant smile, and light brown hair that glimmers like gold in the sun. Compliments about her beauty come pouring in from friends, family, and even strangers, and I appreciate every single one—because I played a part in creating her.
But there’s a catch, and that’s where the trouble starts.
You’ve probably heard these phrases before, and maybe you’ve even said them:
- “You’re so lovely with your hair down.”
- “You look so nice now that you’re clean from your bath.”
- “That dress makes you look so cute!”
While I know these remarks are often made with kindness, they come with strings attached. It sends the message that she’s only pretty when her hair is down, or when she’s just had a bath, or when she’s wearing a particular outfit. It implies that her beauty is conditional, and I certainly don’t want to instill that idea in her young mind.
What really concerns me is that, at just 4 years old, she has started to internalize these messages. She’ll come out of her room after getting dressed and ask, “Mommy, am I pretty now?” Or after brushing her teeth, she’ll grin and say, “Mom, I’m pretty now! I brushed my teeth!”
It breaks my heart to hear her think that her worth is tied to her appearance. I always respond with love, saying, “Sweetheart, you are beautiful just as you are. Your beauty is constant, regardless of what you wear or how you look. You have a beautiful heart, and that’s what truly matters.” Though she may not fully grasp it yet, I repeat this message every time she queries her beauty based on actions or attire. It’s important for her to know that her worth is unwavering.
We live in a world today that bombards our daughters with messages about beauty, often equating it with size or superficial standards. It’s frightening to think that a single image or an anonymous comment online can have such a profound impact on their self-esteem.
Being a woman in today’s society is challenging, and the last thing my daughter needs is to hear that her beauty hinges on external factors. She needs to hear from everyone around her that she is beautiful simply for being herself. Whether she’s dressed up or has peanut butter smeared on her face, my daughter shines with beauty every single day.
So, please refrain from calling her pretty if there’s a condition attached. I want to protect her from the notion that beauty is anything less than inherent, and I’ll do my best to shield her from society’s misleading standards for as long as I can. For more insights on navigating these challenges, you can check out this informative post on home insemination.
In summary, my daughter is beautiful every day, no matter what. It’s crucial for her to understand that true beauty comes from within and isn’t dictated by appearance or societal norms. Let’s celebrate their beauty without conditions!