Did you know tell a girl that she is pretty can it be detrimental to the healthy development of your personality? If you do, read this, it will give you a lot to think about.
For us women it is very normal that the people around us constantly make comments about our physical appearance and that can sometimes affect our self-esteem. Can you imagine what these kinds of comments can do to a girl’s mind? It can literally hurt her image of herself. In this note we will tell you why you should avoid those comments and we tell you what you can say to your close daughters or girls to flatter them.
Why is it bad to tell a girl that she is pretty?
Psychologist Jo-Ann Finkelstein told the portal Psychology Today that girls are usually flattered with phrases that are directly related to their physical appearance, unlike what is done with boys, who are given positive comments about their physical and intellectual abilities. Of course, from time to time you can tell her that she looks beautiful, but that it should not become a habit and, above all, those words should not replace the compliments towards other aspects of her personality.
“From infancy onwards, a girl’s appearance is commented on much more than her brothers. Girls learn early that their appearance is their most important attribute.. Hours of creative energy are redirected into obsessing over ‘flaws’.”
The professional says to said medium.
And it is that women and girls alike try to meet unattainable beauty standards and spend too much time and money on it, instead of dedicating ourselves to activities that can bring us more lasting happiness, such as cultivating talents and meaningful relationships.
In addition, the doctor explains that various investigations show that girls who see themselves as an object are less happy and may have difficulties in learning, in school performance and in obtaining achievements.
So how do I raise my daughter’s self-esteem?
The doctor offers some advice that you can apply from now on in your day to day. Take note!
- Don’t think that telling her she’s pretty will make her feel pretty, so don’t dwell on it.
- Compliment her on her physical and intellectual abilities.
- Instill in him the care of his body through exercise, diet and healthy habits, but emphasize that it is for health and not for beauty.
- Focus on what she has achieved, what she wants to achieve, and how her character and way of being can help her achieve them.
- Don’t objectify yourself (i.e. don’t treat yourself like an object) or criticize other women in that way.
Tell us, what do you think about telling or not telling your daughters how cute they are? Write what you think in the comments of this note, and share it on your social networks!