Mirror, Mirror

Teaching Our Kids to See the True Magic of Beauty

In a society dominated by social media, adults and children alike have become hyper-aware of self-image and appearance, often chasing an unrealistic standard of beauty. As parents, it’s our goal to raise confident, self-accepting individuals who see more than what meets the eye. By creating a realistic, healthy, and balanced foundation at home, we help shape our children’s understanding of beauty to encompass features beyond the superficial. We can embrace true beauty by incorporating these insightful tips into day-to-day habits. 

Emphasize inner qualities
Engage kids in conversations about people’s personalities, skills, interests, and outlooks on life. Highlighting other valuable attributes helps them understand that a person’s worth isn’t solely based on how they look. For example, one might say, “I really admire how kind and helpful your friend is,” rather than commenting on body type or facial features.

Use positive affirmations
Encourage children by saying things like “you have a natural beauty that shines through” or “makeup can be fun to use, but it’s your smile and confidence that truly make you stand out.”  Affirmations like this influence how children perceive themselves, helping them recognize their intrinsic value and realize that beauty is something that comes from within.

Model self-confidence  
Many of us are guilty of the occasional self-critical comment like “these jeans make me look fat.” Our children don’t just observe our actions—they pick up on our attitudes and behaviors, especially when we’re unaware. So, it’s important to be intentional when talking about appearances and bodies. We can demonstrate confidence and self-respect by praising our favorite personality traits next time we look in the mirror.

Compliment clothes not bodies
When giving a compliment, shift the focus from the person’s body to an item and their personal style, reinforcing that worth is not tied to appearance. For example, say “what a beautiful sweater” instead of “you look great in that sweater.”

Remember, authenticity is the top priority when praising children—affirm strengths and confidence without going overboard. Embodying a balanced self-view is the key to unlocking the true magic of beauty.