In today’s parenting landscape, we seem to have lost our way. It’s evident when we see parents tiptoeing around compliments, censoring the very words that should uplift their children. Did you just tell your daughter she’s lovely? Shame on you. Did you call your son handsome? No way, that’s off-limits. Apparently, our overly protected kids can’t handle a compliment without it somehow shattering their self-worth. I refuse to believe that telling a little girl she’s pretty is detrimental to her inner self. It simply means, “I think you look beautiful!” Nothing more, nothing less.
Let’s rewind to that unforgettable moment when you first held your newborn. Did you hesitate to exclaim, “She’s beautiful!” or “He’s so handsome!”? No, of course not. In that instant of wonder, beauty was all you could see. So why have we strayed from this simple truth? Our kids deserve to hear they’re beautiful inside and out, and I, for one, don’t want my future son to be the first to tell a young woman she’s pretty. No girl should ever feel like she has to wait for that validation.
Are you worried that by praising their looks, they’ll forget their worth lies beyond appearance? Nonsense! Tell them they’re strong, smart, and capable too! Beauty isn’t just skin deep; it’s about character and spirit as well. When a child behaves rudely or unkindly, they should hear about it. Remind them that even the most gorgeous person can become unattractive with a bad attitude.
The beauty standards perpetuated by the media are not only unrealistic but also harmful. When magazines aimed at young girls focus on swimwear for prepubescent bodies, it’s clear something is amiss. Girls need to recognize their own beauty, not just what’s portrayed on glossy pages. So, let’s make a point to tell them. And let’s not forget to extend that to our sons as well.
Don’t overanalyze it. Don’t wait for the “right” moment. Just speak up and share what you love about them, including their beauty, whenever it strikes you. Stop holding back before the window of opportunity closes. Tell them now, while you still have their ears and they are still the beauty.
For more insights on parenting and self-worth, check out this related post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking into home insemination options, Make A Mom is a reputable retailer for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of fertility treatments, UCSF’s IVF resources are invaluable.
In summary, let’s stop shying away from telling our children they’re beautiful. They need to hear it, and more importantly, they deserve it.
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