"Do I look pretty, Mama?"

This story, How to Talk to Little Girls, got me thinking. On a daily basis I get asked by my little girls if they look pretty. Why is that so important already to them at 4 years old? It is scary! I have always struggled with self-esteem and unfortunately have placed a greater emphasis on outer beauty rather than inner beauty (a struggle to this day). So are they getting this message from me?

Lately, I have been trying to talk about how everyone is beautiful exactly how God made them. I talk about how different people are and have corrected the girls when they say they don't like people based on physical appearance. But it is a struggle. Princesses are beautiful and Prince Charming wants to marry them because they are beautiful. Well, lately we have been changing the stories a bit. Prince Charming found the Princess to be kind and loving and intelligent. Who knows if this will make any difference. We are attracted to beautiful things. An ugly Barbie doll wouldn't sell.

I guess I feel compelled to do something or hopefully encourage them in the right ways because of having three daughters. Does anyone else struggle with all of this? Any ideas or thoughts to share?

More articles to read:

http://motherhood.yourway.net/why-i-tell-my-girls-theyre-beautiful-often/

http://jeffdlawrence.com/2011/12/23/some-thoughts-on-how-to-talk-to-little-girls/

COOPER

We added a new family member last night! And yes, I know many of you are going to think we are crazy. I can barely handle taking care of 3 kids and a blind 11 year old dog so why add a puppy to our crazy household? In fact, when we inherited a rabbit from Thad's parents, my dad said we needed a bunny like we need a hole in the head. So with a puppy he is probably saying it's like two holes in the head. Oh well, since when have I ever listened to my dad :)  

Cooper is 10 weeks old (shares a birthday with my sister-in-law, Kristy) and is a Maltipoo (maltese & poodle mix) we found from someone selling them here in Rockford. He is so sweet and the girls are already in love with him. 

I will keep you posted on the adventures of Cooper....