Friday, October 22, 2010

Aloha Friday - 10/22


Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

What do you do to encourage self esteem in your daughter, niece, granddaughter, etc?

This is an area I am not the best in! I have 5 daughters, the first and second daughters weren't my best work.

I've tried to teach them confidence, positive self thinking and beauty techniques. I think I lacked in some areas. Being a bit too harsh when critiquing their hair or an outfit.

My 19 year old seems to be slowly pulling out of the teenage angst and hatred of her own body. She's learning that we are our worst enemies and that the only person who will love her in the mirror when she wakes up in the morning is herself.

I've started to learn to halt the harsh ideas I have about my own body. I could stand to lose a few pounds, firm up that under bicep area (WHAT IS THAT??) but I'm also learning to keep it to myself. My kids don't need to know what I think about myself... they need to learn to love what THEY see.

3 comments:

The Social Frog said...

I guess not much since I do not have kids yet and I live so far away from all of my family. When I talke to them on the phone I make sure to listen good and give them congrats on the good things they do.

Auntie E said...

Give her all the love I can.
My Aloha Friday link for you

Pat said...

Since I only have boys, I'm not qualified to answer this question (awesome as it is)! Nonetheless, I want to weigh in with this: I think there quite possibly can be nothing more important than teaching self-confidence and self-esteem to girls. Why do I say this? In my professional life I have worked with many, mamy women - from all walks of life. It is shocking how many of them had little to no self-esteem or self-confidence. Even those in leadership roles. I think this is a shame we all share and must correct.