Big Hearts + Self-Esteem

After having daughter, you realize how important self-esteem is.  As soon as little girls start school, they start comparing themselves to other girls. We don't want our daughters to feel like they less beautiful than another little girl.  Building self-esteem starts with us moms, aunts, grandmas and tee tees.  I love that Dove is committed to encourage women to pass their positive beauty image down to the next generation.

Dress c/o FabKids | Boots c/o Skechers | Headband (similar) 

I love that Peyton is so confident taking photos.  Mister and I make sure we say positive words to Peyton everyday (outside of disciplining).  I tell her how beautiful she looks as much as possible and I encourage our family members to do the same.  In my adult life, I have encountered so many grown women that have serious self-esteem issues.  It's important that we don't send our daughters down the same path.  

I received this beautiful note from Dove, along with a beautiful mosaic of Peyton and I (here).  Seriously brought tears to my eyes.  I'm honored that Dove took the time out to even think about us.  I had no idea any of this was coming.  Moms aren't encouraged enough.  I really appreciate Dove for doing this.  It made me think about what I was doing to encourage Peyton to have a positive beauty image about herself.

Last weekend, Dove kicked of it's 5th annual Self-Esteem Weekend in the UN. The Dove Self-Esteem Project has reached over 14 million young lives with self-esteem building programs and is committed to reaching 15 million by the end of 2015. Dove Self-Esteem Project delivers self-esteem education to young people (primarily girls) 7-17 years-old through lessons in schools, activities for mentors, online resources for parents and partnerships with youth organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Girls Inc.

Check out this powerful video, Legacy, that shows how several little girls developed the same feeling as their mothers on how they feel about their beauty.  Self-esteem starts with us.  Let's do our best to start with a positive image about ourselves so our little girls will do the same.  No more talking about our weight, thighs, nose, hair and butts around our little girls.  They are listening. 

How do you encourage self-esteem with your little girls? Join the movement by telling the world who you #FeelBeautifulFor on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.