As the mom of a preteen AND a teen girl I am amazed at how much girls are influenced by negative talk and ads. Just one comment from a friend or frenemy(!) about their outfit, looks, or weight, and a girls’ attitude will change drastically. The middle school cafeteria can be a tough place to hang out…just sayin’.
I don’t remember being bombarded by scantily clad models, ads for weight loss pills, and media degrading to women in my teen years. Come to think of it as a teen in England at an all girls Catholic school, I barely thought of myself as a teen. I wore a school uniform everyday and had a few outfits for weekend wear. I have no recollection of other girls commenting on how I looked. Did I mention that I wore one pair of shoes to school and then changed in to another pair of schools once I got to school? We all looked the same in our brown pleated skirts, cream blouses, brown v-necked sweaters, and school ties.
Not so for preteens and teens today. My girls have each been teased over some aspect of their dress and appearance. The sad fact is that some girls need to make themselves feel better by teasing and belittling other girls.
I wanted to pass on some information to any moms of preteens and teens out there…
The Dove mission is to reach 5 million girls with self esteem programming by 2010. Since 2005, the brand has reached over 3.5 million girls globally. In fact, every time you buy Dove beauty care products your purchase supports the Dove Self Esteem Fund. This fall Dove launched the “Thank you for Making a Difference” program to thank supporters for building girl’s self esteem and to invite everyone to share their stories about making a difference in self esteem.
As a “Thank You for Making a Difference”, Dove will donate $1,000 to a national charity that supports self-esteem around the Holidays, on behalf of all our self esteem supporters including you.
Musings from Me readers? Want to win a Dove prize pack? The Prize Pack features a Dove plush terry bathrobe, a Dove body wash, a Dove mist, and two True You guidebooks — one for Mom and one for daughter! Enter now! One comment = one entry.
– Leave a comment about what you have done to raise the self-esteeem of a girl in your life.
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I was given the Dove prize pack and two copies of the mom-daughter guide as part of this promotion. Giveaway ends December 4 at 11:59 p.m. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.
My niece (not by blood) has a mom who is totally unreliable. To keep her life as stable as possible, I have attended her school functions that I knew were important to her. If I win, I would like the Dove set.
get them interested in some kind of sport.My daughter took gymnastics for years for fun.As an adult she runs.
BUYING THEM A NICE OUTFIT…ALWAYS SEEMS TO HELP MY DAUGHTERS
There are many community programs in cities to help with self-esteem. Look under adolecent or youth services. Once a week, I sit down with my girls and thrive on the positives of the week. Accomplishments no matter how small should be celebrated. This is a good practice that builds self-esteem. (True You Workbooks)
I’ve gotten my daughter involved in many different sports and activities and attend all her events. She knows and loves many different things and recognizes that she is talented (and valued) in different areas.
Since i have three boys and no nieces, i adore our neighbor’s three little girls who are the same ages as my boys. To help them out with self esteem, I am always pep talking and encourage any activities that help build their self esteem outward.
Dove prize pack is just what I need.
I have always encouraged my daughters to have self esteem by encouraging them to try new things. I would like the the Dove prize pack
I work hard to keep my daughter self-esteem as high as possible. She is a confident little actress about to perform in her first paid theatrical performance. She is thrilled and I am proud of her confidence and beauty both inner and outer. Would love the Dove Prize Pack.
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i like it mverno@roadrunner.com
I treat my daughter the same way I treat my sons. I do not use language like calling her a princess or emphasize her looks, clothes, or body shape. I tell her all the time she is smart, athletic, and capable.
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Tweeted this giveaway from monkeygrl59
Latest: @MusingsfromMe is giving away a Dove prize pack and a mom-daughter workbook! Enter now: http://tinyu… less than 5 seconds ago
I could use this. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I work with kids at the psychiatric unit in my city and I always make sure to tell them how worth life they are.
New contest up! Win a $30 Skin Free Gift Certificate! http://www.feedyourpigblog.com RT for extra entry!
I have been making magnets with positive self-affirmations on them,
making her a neat card and a pretty envelope, and sending it to her every couple of weeks!
Happy Holidays!
We homeschool. So, we have direct control over our children’s environment without the peer pressure and all the other problems of public school. We also have the option of getting together with other homeschoolers in activity groups and outings.
I’ve been tutoring my cousin. She is 10 and has had problems being made fun of in school because she doesn’t catch on as fast as everyone else, but after I’ve worked with her for a couple months she’s now a straight a student.
I have been helping a college student with her algebra. I also have been working with another student to help her with economics. I don’t take any money for helping, I just want to give back to those that help me.
nice post. thanks.
I constantly tell my daughter she can do anything she wants in life and she does not need a man to make her happy – she can make herself happy. BTW I am happily married to her father!
I told my niece that she needs to know that whatever she does as long as she does what is true to her and good for her, she will be okay. I constantly send her notes and emails praising her.
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I moved my daughter to a new school to help her self esteem. She had a teacher who made her feel stupid because she’s dyslexic. In her new school she got the help she needed and has not only caught up but advanced
http://twitter.com/GabbyLowe/status/6285148452
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I have tried to impress upon my niece that she does have to look “sexy”. She has to be neat and clean and within school guidelines but beyond that she doesn’t have to please anyone but herself.
I told her to be herself and who cares what anyone else thinks about her.
I remind her daily that the beauty that’s important is the one that shines out from within.
If my daughter does something thoughtful I always tell her I appreciate that she did it, even if it is not directed towards me.
I ask my niece Hannah about what activities she is passionate.
I coach girls soccer (not this year, sadly, but previously).
I often pick up my niece and take her to get her nails done. She lives in a house full of boys and doesn’t get much “girl time” we both have grown to look forward to those times.
I have my daughter remind her friends and nieces of the great qualities that they have. Paying each other compliments is the easy way to build self esteem.
the girls I babysit, more like sisters though, are only 10, 8, and 5 but are already talking about how to look “fashion” and comment about how kids at school comment on how they look. At such a young age! I just reinforce how beautiful they are and try to bring out what they are exceptionally good at. It is so important for children to accept themselves from early on! thanks for the giveaway!
I follow you through Google Reader! thanks!
I take my little sister and get her nice makeup and a new outfit now and then when I’m able. It really makes her feel good and it shows.
Thank you!
I let my daughter make her own choices about what to wear to school. I may cringe, but if that’s what makes her feel good, then that’s what matters. And I NEVER say, “Oh, your hair would look so much better if you …..”, or “You’re really going to wear THAT?” like my mother always did.
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I encourage my 17-year-old disabled sister that she is unique and she needs to be proud of who she is.
I follow you on twitter. ag1414
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I’m a facebook fan. angela.gaffke
To raise the self esteem of my daughter, I treat her as an equal human, I spend many hours talking with her and I praise what she does. I let her know that she is as good as anyone else!
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justine pierson
I’m following you via twitter
ShesAnAngel417
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/6347256658
I compliment my daughter and remind her she can do with her life what ever she want to do.
I always compliment my daughter and tell her how proud I am of her. Thanks!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have attended my niece’s voice recitals. After it was over I always made a point to tell her how well she did. I had a Flip camera and and recorded it, and she was able to put it onto her computer to listen to her singing as well as see her presentation.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I focus on what she is actually interested in rather than what others would like her to be. I let her know that being herself is the most beautiful of all.
One time at a grocery store i was having a horrible day,
(hating my looks) all of a sudden this lady who was the checker looked me in the eye and said,”Your a gorgeous girl.”
It really changed me somehow and since then i tell other girls that who probably don’t hear it as often as they should.
“You’re really pretty” I can see the change in them as well!
They really take my words to heart.
=]
I let my daughters know they are not subject to a man and are equal. I tell them I am proud of them and support their interests and encourage them in their interests.
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Tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/6351796118
I follow on Twitter!~dresdenrain.
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i follow on twitter – js22222222 .
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/6352397748
I’m a fan on facebook-Joanne Schultz. http://www.facebook.com/js2222
I’ve always encouraged my daughter to do anything she wanted to do and told her she could be anything she wanted to be. So far she’s turning out quite well!! Thanks.
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I encourage my daughter by telling her how great she is.
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I alway tell a girl who is 16 now how much her father loved her. Something happened to this girls father which was devastating to her when she was 10 years old. But I will always make sure she knows the deep love he had for her and what a great person he was.
I try to always give positive reinforcement to my niece.
I’m following you on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
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Praise them when they work hard and accomplish something.
My daughter is taking Karate classes and does better than many of the boys so I always compliment her on this…
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!