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There’s something crucial we need to talk about. As a society, we seem to have collectively decided to redefine what it means to be a girl. And while this shift is undoubtedly positive—empowering young girls to see themselves as brave, strong, intelligent, and independent—it has also led to some unintended consequences.
One alarming trend is the growing stigma around the word “beautiful.” I’ve come across numerous blog posts and articles suggesting that calling a girl “beautiful” is somehow detrimental to her self-worth. In one instance, a mother penned an open letter asking her neighbors to refrain from complimenting her daughter’s beautiful hair. Another mother expressed that she avoids calling her daughter beautiful altogether, fearing that it might inflate her ego or, conversely, lead to insecurity as she grows up in a world obsessed with image.
Notably, Jo Swinson, the UK’s Women’s Minister, advised parents against labeling their daughters as beautiful, arguing it implies that looks are the most significant aspect of their identity. Even supermodel Lara Thompson chimed in, stating she prefers her daughter to be called “smart” rather than “beautiful,” believing it will inspire her to achieve greater things beyond modeling.
But here’s the thing: what’s wrong with being both smart and beautiful? In my view, we’ve taken the Girl Power movement a bit too far. I, for one, call my daughter beautiful countless times a day, and I’m not going to stop. Yes, she is much more than just a pretty face—but that face? It’s undeniably beautiful.
I also remind her daily that she is kind, talented, compassionate, and has a wonderful sense of humor (even at just two years old!). She’s brave, strong, smart, and independent. My goal is to ensure she understands that all her qualities—inside and out—are worthy of recognition, even amidst the chaos of daily life.
When I say my daughter is beautiful, I am celebrating her natural beauty. I don’t dress her up in makeup or swoon over her looks in a socially constructed way. I admire her for who she is—messy hair, mismatched clothes, and all. And why shouldn’t we tell children—both girls and boys—how beautiful they are during their formative years? Before they start comparing themselves to unrealistic images on magazine covers or hear negative comments from peers, it’s essential to instill a sense of self-worth.
So, I will continue to tell my daughter she is beautiful. I will smile proudly when strangers compliment her, and I will reinforce that her entire being—her mind, heart, spirit, and body—is beautiful just as she is.
Calling my daughter beautiful will not limit her potential, and I refuse to let anyone convince me otherwise. If you’re interested in further insights on similar topics, check out this blog post on intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for a reputable source for home insemination syringe kits, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for anyone curious about what to expect during their first IUI, Parents.com offers excellent resources.
In summary, empowering our daughters means celebrating their beauty alongside their intelligence and character. Let’s not shy away from telling them they are beautiful; instead, let’s embrace it as part of their holistic identity.
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