'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg has taught me an invaluable lesson for myself and my daughter.
My 4-year old daughter loves princesses and I realize now that I've waited for a tiara myself. I've waited for people to recognize my accomplishments and bestow a gift, whether it be a job, a promotion or a raise. I want to make sure that my daughter knows that she shouldn't wait for her dreams to be fulfilled—she is the one who will make them come true (even if it's to be a princess).
She doesn't need a closet full of designer clothes to feel beautiful.
One mom's quest to teach her little girl that self-worth has nothing to do with a price tag.
Mindless consumerism can lead us to believe our value lies in what we wear. I wanted my daughter to have the freedom to divorce her self-worth from her clothing. But how could I teach her that when here I was — 29-years-old, wallowing in a pile of cheap cotton-poly blends and feeling worthless? It was time to go on a clothing fast. I called it "No Pants 2012."
How can moms help their daughters grow up with a healthy body image?
Teaching my daughters to have a healthy body image has made me see myself in a whole new light.
As a woman, body image issues have drifted in and out of my life for as long as I can remember. They're that little albatross I can't quite shake: Every time I squeeze into a pair of jeans or put on my swimsuit for my daughters' Saturday morning lessons, every time I turn sideways to see my reflection in a mirror or compare myself to someone beautiful. They're the questions that tumble around in my head: Am I old? Am I fat? Am I pretty? When my daughter started asking the same questions, I knew it was time to break the cycle.
You can help your daughter to feel that leaving is the right thing for her to do.
If you are currently dating a criminal or your daughter is, then my heart goes out to you. Criminals aren't necessarily bad people, they have just made bad choices and they can be the funniest most charming men to be around. Leaving one is never easy and you will need lots of support.
Today's music and models of perfection are something may be something to discuss with your daughter.
By Child/Adolescent Therapist, Signe Whitson, to GalTime.com
How many times have you heard your daughter singing along to a popular song on the radio and innocently belting out the kind of lyrics that would otherwise get her sent to her room? In the moment, you believe (desperately want to believe!) that she is unaware of the innuendo and unaffected by its explicit content.
When your "kids" grow up and move away, you could dwell in sadness or learn to start fresh.
For 20 years, I was a mom first, raising two boys while keeping the house in order. My career, although important, was secondary to being a mother. So, facing an empty nest was a challenge. And to deal with this major life change, I had to make some major changes in my daily routine.
Do you try to be everything to everyone? Here are 10 ways to take care of you.
No more saying "yes" to every request that comes your way. Let your drama queen friend cry on someone else's shoulder. Set boundaries with your kids, mate, boss and anyone else who crosses the line. Let go of the rescue role. Most importantly, trade some of your daily to-dos for some personal pampering pleasures. Here is a short list of ways you can feed your feminine essence.
A study of young girls offers some important parenting lessons.
According to a study by psychologists Christy Starr and Gail Ferguson at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, which was published in the journal Sex Roles, young girls value the concept of "sexiness." Specifically, 60 girls were each shown two dolls — one of which was dressed in sexy clothing while the other doll was dressed in a loose yet trendy outfit. The girls were then asked to select the doll that they wanted to look like, the doll that they already looked like, the doll that they wanted to play with and the doll that looked like she would be popular in school.
Did you have a be-there Dad? If not, were you able to turn to a grandfather or uncle for advice?
Dad, Grandpa or Uncle- Kids Need a Good Male Role Model
Your father (hopefully) was your first role model as a strong and caring male. No matter how old or smart you get, there is a longing in your heart to call out and be heard by your be-there dad. If you did not have that treasure in your home, you may have had to learn the characteristics of an emotionally healthy male by watching and interacting with others.
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