I have shared my passion about this subject previously in this post, and was overwhelmed by the support it received. The Let's Talk Campaign and what it stands for couldn't be more timely.
As most of you know, my oldest daughter, Isabella, started high school this year; typically a time when your own self-esteem and values are tested time and again. With the likes of television and social media bombarding our girls {and women, let's be honest} with images of near perfection, what can we as mothers do to ensure our girls realize the difference between airbrushing and reality? It all starts with CONVERSATION.
As most of you know, my oldest daughter, Isabella, started high school this year; typically a time when your own self-esteem and values are tested time and again. With the likes of television and social media bombarding our girls {and women, let's be honest} with images of near perfection, what can we as mothers do to ensure our girls realize the difference between airbrushing and reality? It all starts with CONVERSATION.
I always wanted a baby girl. Don't all mother's even if we never acknowledge this out loud? Someone in our own likeness. Someone to dress up and do girly things with.
I don't think I ever remember worrying about having to have difficult conversations with that same baby girl. Or worrying about choices she would make eventually and how those would affect her.
Parenting is funny like that. Everything is a phase and whatever phase your child is in currently seems to be all-consuming. That is, until the next phase moves in.
The issue of self-esteem, confidence and body image isn't one that just moves on.
It stays with you. Always.
It is our job as mother's of girl's, critical really, to ensure the lines of communication are open and that dialogue is ongoing.
If you are not sure where to begin, start with downloading the simple "let's talk" toolkit here. It's an amazing resource for everyone, even those who may feel that they're on the right track with the girl or girls in their lives.
I know I tell my oldest she is beautiful all the time. But more importantly, I also tell her she is SMART. And KIND. And a GOOD FRIEND.
The best kind.
Because she is.
And it's my job to make sure she knows it.
I want to see this girl grow up to be a smart, confident woman. A woman who is strong-willed and loving. And beautiful, inside and out.
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And then, share the story of your own experience on their self-esteem wall.
I spent some time reading through other mama's stories this weekend and it's great to see women encouraging each other and their girls.
I don't think I ever remember worrying about having to have difficult conversations with that same baby girl. Or worrying about choices she would make eventually and how those would affect her.
Parenting is funny like that. Everything is a phase and whatever phase your child is in currently seems to be all-consuming. That is, until the next phase moves in.
The issue of self-esteem, confidence and body image isn't one that just moves on.
It stays with you. Always.
It is our job as mother's of girl's, critical really, to ensure the lines of communication are open and that dialogue is ongoing.
If you are not sure where to begin, start with downloading the simple "let's talk" toolkit here. It's an amazing resource for everyone, even those who may feel that they're on the right track with the girl or girls in their lives.
I know I tell my oldest she is beautiful all the time. But more importantly, I also tell her she is SMART. And KIND. And a GOOD FRIEND.
The best kind.
Because she is.
And it's my job to make sure she knows it.
I want to see this girl grow up to be a smart, confident woman. A woman who is strong-willed and loving. And beautiful, inside and out.
And then, share the story of your own experience on their self-esteem wall.
I spent some time reading through other mama's stories this weekend and it's great to see women encouraging each other and their girls.
Girls helping girls.
Disclosure: Please note today's discussion was sponsored by Dove. All opinions are strictly my own.
