Thursday, November 13, 2014

Pretty on the inside

C: Mommy, do you think am I pretty?
Me: Of course you are. But what matters most, sweetie, is that you're beautiful on the inside... and kind... and smart... and strong...
C: Yeah, yeah but am I pretty on the OUTSIDE?! (gesturing to her face)

It was a pretty funny convo, I admit it.... Yes, I believe in taking care of myself- my skin,  hair and body. My array of makeup and beauty products would astound you. I have tons of hair styling stuff and my exercise equipment and gym memberships are very important to me.  I strive for blemish free skin, shiny hair and a healthy body as do so many of us. Even at home with my kids, you'd almost never find me in sweats. I feel good when I look good. 

But though I do all these things and I love a compliment or two, I really and truly believe it's what on the inside that counts most of all. When all is said and done, youth and looks fade and things sag.  Something better be good on the inside to make you happy throughout your life! I need my girls to understand this. I  want them to be kind, prayerful, strong, smart, considerate, responsible and respectful girls. I teach them to say please and thank you, to share their toys, to recycle and to pack away their toys. I do these things but then I also buy them beautiful dresses, I condition and comb their hair and buy them fun accessories! 

So yes,  I love when people tell me that my daughters are beautiful/cute/adorable--- cause let's face it, they are :-). Dress up is fun and compliments are cool. However, it's my job as a parent though to teach them that it is not everything. It's their characters that will determine their lives and how they live it. As parents, D and I will be trying day by day, bit by bit to strengthen the character traits we think are important. As we do, it is my hope that they understand that being pretty on the inside is most important.


Linking up with Annie and Nat for Thoughts on Thursday.


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14 comments:

  1. I'm right there with you. We desperately want our daughter to be confident in who she is despite what others say about how she looks. This is super challenging in a world that is so superficial but we're determined :) Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I love this post! You are so right! Such an important lesson for kids! Especially for young girls!

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  3. I totally feel like I could have written this post! My daughter talks about that too and I always remind her that it's also about being beautiful on the inside; kind, helpful, polite etc.. People are always telling her that she's so pretty. I tell her to say thank you and I'm trying to get her to say, I'm also kind and creative lol

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  4. I completely agree! As often as I want to tell Avery she is beautiful and adorable, I try to focus on things such as kindness and intelligence. Always important to remember!

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  5. Yes, yes!! So important and true. What a great post as a reminder to this momma with three little girls. Thank you for sharing :)

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  6. A beautiful reminder! Focusing on beauty from within!

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  7. You are a wise mom. My Daddy always said, "Pretty is as pretty does" and he was right. Thanks for teaching the next generation what is really important!

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  8. Love this! Society puts so much pressure on women to look a certain way, many people forget to take care of their heart and soul.

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  9. Awww the picture is adorable <3 they look so happy :)

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  10. Your daughters are so cute!! I understand your post completely. I always remind my kids that they are beautiful inside and out. And that even though you are beautiful on the outside, if you are ugly on the inside then no one will like you. We are our kids best cheerleaders!

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  11. Great post! Such adorable daughters! They look like they are having a blast!

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Hearing from you makes me so happy!!

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