My Daughter Is Stunning, and I’ll Celebrate That When I Please

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• My Daughter Is Stunning, and I’ll Celebrate That When I Please

By Jessica Reed

Updated: Dec. 1, 2014

Originally Published: July 26, 2013

I must express my concern about a troubling trend that has emerged, and it’s something we’ve inadvertently contributed to as a society.

It appears that we have come to a consensus that the definition of what it means to be a girl is in need of a significant overhaul. While this transformation is indeed positive and necessary—allowing girls to grow up surrounded by messages that portray them as Brave, Strong, Smart, and Independent—it has also led to some unintended consequences.

Somewhere along the journey of redefining “Like a Girl,” the term “Beautiful” has been cast in a negative light. I have encountered numerous blog posts and articles recently suggesting that labeling a girl as “beautiful” is akin to an insult. One mother even penned an “open letter,” requesting that neighbors refrain from commenting on her daughter’s lovely hair. Another mother declared she never refers to her daughter as beautiful, opting instead for a multitude of compliments that avoid physical appearance, fearing it might lead her daughter to become vain or, conversely, insecure.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Martha Johnson, a prominent Women’s Minister, urged parents to refrain from calling their daughters beautiful, arguing that such compliments imply that looks are paramount in life. Even a well-known model weighed in on the discussion, stating she preferred her daughter to be labeled as “intelligent” over “beautiful,” so as to inspire her to aspire to roles beyond modeling. She believes we should be teaching girls that they can be leaders.

While I wholeheartedly agree that I want my daughter to realize she can pursue any career she desires, even the presidency, I ask: what’s wrong with being both smart and beautiful?

We’ve gone a bit overboard with this Girl Power movement. When I say “we,” I mean “you”—because I call my daughter stunning countless times a day (more or less).

My daughter is beautiful, just like the daughters of those mothers mentioned are, too. To instill in my beautiful girl a lifelong belief in her own worth, I tell her she’s beautiful frequently. I will continue to do so until my words become her inner voice, allowing her to recognize the inherent beauty she possesses. She is more than just a pretty face, but that face? It’s truly beautiful.

I also remind her daily that she is kind, talented, generous, clever, bright, sensitive, and funny (even at two—she has her brothers in stitches with her hilarious comments). She embodies compassion, love, bravery, strength, intelligence, and independence. I will consistently celebrate her many qualities so she knows that every part of her—inside and out—receives recognition amidst the chaos of daily life.

When I call my daughter beautiful, I’m acknowledging her natural radiance. I don’t dress her in makeup or obsess over her physical traits; I appreciate her beauty in its purest form—whether she’s crusty-nosed, bed-headed, or muddy. She is beautiful, as any mother would say about her child.

Shouldn’t childhood be the time when we openly tell both girls and boys how beautiful they are? Before they begin comparing themselves to images in magazines or hearing about beauty products from their peers? Before they encounter negativity from others or feel the pressure to curate a flawless online persona?

Now is the time to affirm their beauty. I will call my daughter beautiful and cherish the compliments she receives from others, whether from the kind grandfather at the Post Office or the enthusiastic store clerk. I will remind her every day that all aspects of her—her intellect, her heart, her spirit, and her body—are beautiful just as they are, and however she chooses to express herself.

Labeling my daughter as beautiful will not confine her in any way, and I refuse to let the internet persuade me otherwise.

In the realm of parenting, it’s essential to build a strong foundation of self-worth in our children. For further insights on topics like fertility, consider exploring resources on fertility boosters for men at this link. Additionally, if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, check out this comprehensive kit that provides everything you need. For those seeking more information on donor insemination, the American Pregnancy Association offers great resources here.

In summary, affirming our daughters’ beauty is a crucial aspect of parenting that fosters self-esteem and resilience. It’s time to embrace both their inner and outer beauty without hesitation.