Nurturing a girls confidence and self-worth will help her live a more fulfilling life. Media and bullying regularly seen in schools can sabotage the loving messages taught at home. Modern toys, TV shows, and glossy magazines, promote body image perfection. Doesn't it hurt your heart to hear a preschooler ask, "Do I look fat?"
The comparisons of our little girl's to others around her can start early. Family may start using the term chubby and pointing out the child's physical or personality uniqueness. Words are powerful. Negative messages can easily begin to chip at a child's confidence.
As the mother of a 4 year old girl I have the opportunity to see life again through the innocent eyes of my child. This moves me to give the gift of confidence and self worth.
My Little Miss is FULL of life. She naturally confident and self directed. People often comment on her friendly, outgoing, and curious nature. She loves to learn, and seems to be invincible in her desire and ability to conquer life on a daily basis. Many little ones at this age frequently use the line, "I do it myself". "Momma/Daddy no help". Have you heard this from your preschooler?
Watching my daughter enjoy life pains me at times. This pain comes from the thought that this "force field" she currently has may be slowly penetrated. Perfectionism is a terrible trait that can eat away at the most confident person. We seem to be seeing it at an earlier age. The silent voice can begin replaying negative messages to our kids. As they grow into their teen years we wonder, why are they so down on themselves? Where did this begin? The sad reality is it can take only one incident to begin the damaging cycle of negativity.
How is a parent to counteract this process? Can we help our kids know how special they are outside of our care?
Providing positive affirmations to boost our daughters confidence early in their development can help alleviate years of pain.
Daily we maintain crowns of glory full of curly, kinky, coily, natural African American hair. Though not the popular image of beauty and a history all its own, we promote self-love of our highly textured tresses. We teach Little Miss her hair is like fine silk. She is learning to love and care for her beautiful tresses no matter how styled. She understands treating her hair and her body with the utmost care is essential.
Daily positive affirmations and reminders of what makes our Little Miss special are what helps us combat any negative messages she may encounter.
Perfectionism is a faux. As a Mom I am mindful daily to monitor the messages given out verbally and non-verbally. It can be easy for me to breath a too heavy sigh when putting on jeans. Or nitpicking at my complexion when in the mirror. Little Miss picks up on these behaviors and non verbal messages so quickly!! It takes conscious effort, putting my baggage onto her is something I never want to do. Making a commitment to model genuine self-worth has been one of my biggest jobs while raising a daughter.
As parents in a self-centered and me first society helping our little girls grow up with confidence and self-worth will truly benefit them and their future families. Don't you agree these little ladies are worth it?
How does your family teach confidence and self-worth to your girls?
Wishing you intention and joy!
Jenelle
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