What We Need to Teach Our Kids About Beauty…

This week I was horrified to learn that Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington had had a nose job in a bid to quell the torrent of abuse she had suffered since stepping into the spotlight.

I sat back, appalled and angered that a bright, intelligent, hard-working woman had felt the need to change her appearance to feel accepted. I, for one, celebrated the Olympics for providing my daughter with positive female role models and I was saddened to find that in this day and age many women still feel their looks are more important than their achievements.

Recently my daughter expressed an interest to be famous; she even asked me last week if scientists could be celebrities. When I explained that with hard work you could be heralded as ‘famous’ in your field of study she didn’t seem impressed and began asking about entering Britain’s Got Talent. Which is pretty shocking as we have never watched the programme and normally limit her TV time to a few choice movies.

This morning I could tell something wasn’t right and asked her what was wrong. She asked me if she could have a new lunch box as some of the girls in her class had been teasing her for having ‘Tatty Ted’… These are the same 8 year olds who turned up to the school disco in crop tops causing my girl to feel out of place in her party dress and sparkly shoes. We all know kids can be cruel but I can’t help but wonder what is the world coming to when children in year three judge each other according to the way they look and the things they own. Where are they getting these ideas from? And how can we instil a sense of self-confidence in our daughters when the world keeps telling them you have to look a certain way to be successful?

(Image via)

The only comfort I can offer, though it’s too early for my little girl to understand, is that if you project a superficial image of yourself the same will come back.

I truly believe that the most successful people in this world are different. They are unique. In order to achieve, one must build a support network of friends and family – superficial relationships are not enough.

To truly stand out and make a difference you need to feel confident that you’re irreplaceable… being a carbon copy of the latest celebrity or glamor model must leave you feeling permanently on edge. Anyone attractive enough and in the right place and the right time could take your place. But none can replicate what is inside…. It can be so tough for us women to accept that, but shining for being you is a true light…. it’s timeless and it fosters self-belief. As I sit here I know I’m a little over weight, I def need my roots done and I’m once again plagued with a bout of terrible acne… but I’m real, I’m me and those who love and support me do so because there is something they like….. And that something has nothing to do with how I look or dress, I’m worthy of love just for being me. 

Tags: body image confidence media success

Categories: Emily Macdonald Fire me up baby! Mirror Mirror: Self Improvement