We identified two areas that seemed to contribute to high self-esteem (in our limited opinion) - being happy with the way you look and the assurance that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind on.
When it comes to body image, I'm like any other woman and occasionally do analyze my imperfections, however, I never feel insecure in the way I look (even if I'm look as if I'm carrying a baby in my tummy right now). The techie and I have made a conscious effort to never give importance our looks and weight (except in a health context) in front of V. What we focus on, when we discuss our physical appearance is:
- The importance of grooming, with respect to hygiene and being presentable
- Physical fitness and it's relationship with outdoor play
Despite all this, she's still very much a little girl who loves to play dress-up and use my flavoured lip balms! However, she's not obsessed with the actual results just the blingyness (my own word) of it all.
My mom has thought the little munchkin a song that I love and constantly sing to her and myself:
I AM THE WAY I AM
I am the way I am and I'm very happy with that
I may be tall or I may be short, my body maybe thin or fat
It doesn't really matter at all
Because I am the way I am and I'm very happy with that
Try this song, it really does lift your spirits and is so much fun to sing together.
When it comes to ability, I always think of the movie 'The Pursuit of Happyness'. In the 'Dream Scene' Will Smith gives his son a long list of reasons why he'll never be a good basket-ball player. Then he does a complete turn-about and says "Never let anybody tell you, you can't do something, not even me". I couldn't have put it better. This movie is our all time favourite (the techie and I) and we constantly use the lessons to motivate ourselves and our child.
Anyway those are my random thoughts for today. What are you very particular about when it comes to nurturing your children?
Very nice thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI feel strongly about making them strong and happy. (Strong mentally I mean.) Not sure I always go about it the right way. I think I try to be too "perfect" when it comes to educating my children sometimes. Sometimes I should just let them be.
I agree that body image is really important. I really hope that I can inspire my kids to seize the day, every day of their lives. I hope that they never forget just how precious life is and that they leave all regrets behind them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Thank you for the sweet comments. You made my day!
I am not sure how particular I am right now, but I believe that good attitude and your reaction to situations makes a difference esp. when to comes to facing challenges. Body image is big on the list too. And then, I am not big on stereotypes, I feel they confine the mind, and hence I often find myself correcting myself/people around baby D. Its hard though, at least in dxb. Blue does mean boy always and always! :(
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more! Also, thank you for your lovely comments on my blog! Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the Best for the New Year! XX
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely concept to instill in children!!
ReplyDeleteI think (when the time comes) I will really want to instill this and kindness. that being kind is more important than being cool, popular. etc.
Stunning. x hivennn.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great song! I've seen the rumblings of poor body image in my little girl (she's only 6!!!!), so I try to do whatever I can to encourage her.
ReplyDeleteThese are such beautiful and important words. I too am raising a little girl and hope to teach her to love and value herself and her inner beauty more than anything else.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your sweet comment! I'm so glad you're a follower and it means the world to me to have the kinship of other moms, working for their dreams in addition to doing the most important job in the world. I'm honored and humbled.
Happy New Year, my dear! Hope 2011 is a fabulous one!
xx
November Grey
How inspirational, I love it!!! That really is a great movie, so uplifting. I love that you ensure confidence in your children. So important. I can relate to you on this one because I'm constantly trying to make sure my daughter knows how great she is and can be, I also don't let her say, "I can never do that". She knows now not to say, "never", it's so cute :)
ReplyDeleteDecember 29, 2010 10:21 PM
Just yesterday my niece-in-law retorted to her grandmum on being offered chocolates with "Mama said: daadi wants to make me fat and ugly with chocolates"
ReplyDelete...Who does this?
I am not ok with offering chocolates to a child who is on the verge of obesity, that's just tempting them and being mean..But for the mother to instill that she will be fat and ugly and how her life is ruined if she is that is just wrong IMHO....that and everything that goes with Princess this and that and how your toothbrush has to be princess like to your PJs to your water mug to your shoes and hairband! its insane! a bit much for me..sorry about the rant! pet peeve :(
I bloody love that song.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great way to instil positive values in children, simple yet effective.
I've made no secret of the fact that i'm happy to have had boys, naiively i feel like i've escaped the awful problems around girl's, weight and confidence.
M2M
Mwa @ Strong is a big requirement in today's world. I know what you mean about the 'perfect' thing. I'm slowly learning to just enjoy the moments with her.
ReplyDeleteTracey @ Regretting the past is a big waste of the present. It's something I've learnt the hard way.
Bunny Mum @ We are always on a similar wavelength. If blue means boy, how come violet means girl?! It's so sad when adults unintentionally pass along the wrong message to their kids.
Stacey @ I truly enjoy your blog. Seasons greeting to you too.
Tucker @ thank you for visiting. Kindness is a value that mankind seems to have forgotten. I'm putting that on my list.
Jazzy E @ Thank you.
Diva @ I'm sure you're dong the right stuff as a mom. Sing this song enough and even adults start believing in it.
November Grey @ Thank you for coming along. Raising children seems so challenging in today's world, so I really appreciate anyone who decided to link hands and support each other.
Crystal @ Hehehee, I can just imagine you saying something like "never cross the road alone" and her possible response.
marketingtomilk @ i use that song on myself a lot more than on the little munchkin :-) Hopefully, your boys will be smarter than most girls.