I’m very conscious about not passing my own personal insecurities down to my children, especially my girls. I’m not a very girly person, so they don’t see me spending hours on hair, nails or make up. Mostly I just try to not look too much of a state when I leave the house, but to be honest most of the time, if I can get out with my hair brushed, teeth cleaned and three children in tow, I consider the morning a success. I don’t remember being conscious of how I looked until I was a teenager and I hope the same is true for my girls, I’d hate to think of them worrying about how they look before that point. I do of course, like most women have my own insecurities. I HATE my big nose and wearing my glasses makes me less confident, which I know is silly, but they’re quite thick and I just feel like everyone is staring at me, which underneath I know isn’t true, but I can’t help the way I feel.
In some ways I’ve become less confident as I’ve grown older, I’ve worn more make up and spent longer on my hair in the last couple of years than I ever did before. When I first started work in London, I’d get on the train with wet hair clipped back and no make up at all, such was the confidence of a fresh faced 20 year old.
I tell my girls they are amazing clever, kind and gorgeous every day. I try to instil in them that the most important thing is to be kind to other people, to help people, to be a good person. I don’t know whether that’s the right approach or not, but I hope with all my heart that I am bringing up two strong minded, confident and kind hearted little ladies.
Dove has commissioned research of 2,000 women who have a relationship with a girl aged 7-17 to explore this subject. Dove found that the majority of women dislike at least one aspect of their appearance, and have admitted to airing their insecurities in front of their child, or other girl they are close to. I’m pretty sure I haven’t shown my girls my insecurities yet, but I can see how that would happen with an older child.
The research also revealed young girls are much less likely to experience anxiety over their appearance if they have a positive role model.
Dove is asking women to help the next generation by ensuring their own beauty legacy is a positive one. What would your beauty legacy be? do you think you’re a positive role models to the young women in your life?
This video, created by Dove shows how much parents can influence their children, as a Mother I feel a strong sense of responsibility to be a positive influence in how my girls feel about themselves, and I’ll definitely be more conscious of how I act around them from now on.
Dove have created a great selection of self-esteem building materials and activity guides for women to discuss with young girls aged from 7 to 17, so they can take steps to improve their self-esteem.
In collaboration with Dove
I guess I had not thought about it – but it would be important for boys too. My youngest calls me a princess if I do my hair and make-up which is only when I go out on a night out. I have a niece now too so shall certainly think about this more.
I think I’d sort of been aware without realising and changed my behaviour automatically and yes very important for boys too. x
I just adore Dove even more for this campaign. I try to be a good example for my girls but i don’t always succeed.
Love the photo of you and your daughter.
Same here Otilia, and I guess our girls have to see us as less than perfect as well. xx
It’s a difficult one.I don’t wear makeup or wear the latest fashions as I am very comfortable with who I am.But when I make an extra extra my girls do notice and comment how nice I look.I don’t whether it’s because television women as always looking nice, that they see me as looking dowdy and not caring.I do care, but I’m not over zealous about it.
As someone who’s beauty regime consists of washing regularly and wearing clean clothes I thank God I’ve got two boys. I’m rubbish at applying make-up and a I bite my nails.
But I do have weight issues and feel it’s important to keep this from my kids so I don’t pass any hang-ups down to them. They see me going to the gym regularly, and I talk about being “healthier” and how it’s important to do lots of exercise and eat fruit and vegetables.
Growing up with a mum who was on every fad diet going, I know I’ve been affected and I’m determined to break the cycle.
Thanks to you and Dove for tacking such an important subject. Just watched the video and looked at the materials. xx
Such an important issue and one I’m very concious of at the moment with my 12 year old. It’s hard x x
I so agree with you Emma, as a younger person I too frequently left the house with wet hair and didnt care, but now I make more effort. I also cannot go out without foundation because of redness but I think im positive for my girls. Having a nearly 15 yr old is scary and I do worry but so far I think we are doing ok.