I Am Beautiful Like Me
How can I help children create a positive self image, to feel the strength of their voice, and to celebrate their mental and physical diversity? It’s a question I’ve been contemplating for the last few days.
Another blogger reached out and asked if I’d be interested in a project. She has two pre-teen daughters and helping them process the varied bombardment of messages they receive each day related to how girls (and boys) are supposed to look, dress, feel, talk and act is top-of-mind.
WickedStepMom is looking for bloggers who would like to help with a grassroots effort to positively impact young people in our lives. Amy from Five Flower Mom has also committed to the cause and we’re looking for other interested participants to help impart a message: I am not beautiful like you, I am beautiful like me.
Do you have tips or insights to help children create a positive self image? What kinds of issues have you tackled, and how did you tackle them? What do you do in your home to transcend the media messages, which focus so entirely on sexuality and body size, to help children focus on developing their strengths and to feel positive about themselves physically and mentally?
If you have ideas, resources or personal stories to share, please let me know in your comment here, or contact WickedStepMom directly. She has set up a special page on her blog to create a master linked list of participants and resources, and she’s offering this pretty badge for anyone willing to carry it on their blog. She’ll also be setting up a bi-weekly, topical posting schedule to help coordinate efforts and interest.
I don’t have an answer to my initial question, but the first round-table post is scheduled for April 6th and will focus on How our self-image affects the self-image of our children. I’m quite sure I’ll learn something about myself during this process as well as gain some great ideas to help the children in my life. I’m looking forward to diving in, learning more and to hopefully reading a gazillion posts from all of you related to your thoughts, experiences, suggestions and ideas.
I am not beautiful like you, I am beautiful like me.
Teach the next generation about true beauty and self confidence.
Help girls and boys to have a better self image and to stand up for beauty in all forms.
AND a whole new look here, alrighty!
garys last blog post..the good, the bad and the UGLY
What a great project and with two girls (one teen and one preteen) I have thought a lot about it! I am excited to hear lots of peoples thoughts!
Amys last blog post..Beautiful Like Me Project
Thanks so much for joining my project! I am so excited about it! I am looking forward to working with you!
WickedStepMoms last blog post..Beautiful Like Me Project Annoucement
This sounds very cool and interesting. Will check it out.
Pseudos last blog post..Spin Cycle: Time
I’m IN! I’ve missed my bloggy friends, SMOOCH
Oh wow! A look bloggy look! Have I been away that long?
This project sounds way cool! And I just love the tagline!: I am not beautiful like you, I am beautiful like me. Maybe I’ll use it in my fb profile message!
xoxo.
I really like this post.
P.S. You’re blog layout is beautiful, too.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom!s last blog post..We Don’t Always Get What We Want
What an awesome idea! I just love it! There are many things that I did with my 5 now grown children, and continue to do with my 2 little ones that we are raising, in addressing this issue of beauty. I would love to share these idea’s. I look forward to learning more about this and hope I can participate in some ways. I think it is so great when people can learn from one another so I am looking forward to learning even more!
Loris last blog post..Idiosyncrasy’s?
I think this sounds like a great idea!
Steph @ Problem Solvin Moms last blog post..Aah, the March weather
What a great idea. Oh those pre-teen days are so challenging. 13 was ROUGH. The images our young women see on tv, in magazines etc. can just send their self esteem down to rock bottom. I can’t wait to hear some ideas!
Monicas last blog post..Get Involved
Such a good idea. Wish I’d been getting those messages as a young girl!
Twenty Four At Hearts last blog post..If I Go Missing
I love this cause. I see my 5-year-old daughter already struggling with her self esteem and I’m at a loss as to what to do. I really look forward to reading what’s posted here.
San Diego Mommas last blog post..Loving Frank: A Book Review
Raising two girls, I did so many things right and so many things wrong. I think we have to be very careful not only what we say to our children but what they hear us say to others. How do you teach your child to accept the beauty in herself if she sees that you don’t accept the beauty in you? It’s a tough job. I’ll check this out.
Smart Mouth Broads last blog post..I’M A RAMBLER