No matter what I do or what others tell me, I don't ever feel like I totally accept myself. Until recently I feel like I took some big steps forward.
As my 4 y/o son and I were sitting on the couch together, he softly started stroking my arm with his hand. A couple of minutes later, he starts pointing out the freckles that I despise. Every time I look at them, I wish them away.
But Bennett? He said to me:
"Mom, what are those?"
"Those are my freckles, honey"
"Wow."
At this point, I'll admit, I expected him to tell me that my freckles were silly. That's his response for a lot of things. But instead...
"Mom, your freckles are pretty! And your hair is pretty!"
I gave him the biggest hug and thanked him for his kind words. I sat there for a minute and just thought about what he said. He's at an age, where he has never once worried about his appearance, or picked himself apart. He doesn't care what he looks like, or what I look like, for that matter. He looked at me, at a "flaw" that I've always hated, and told me it was pretty. He doesn't see the negative things that I see. His outlook is pure, and non-judgemental. Honestly, why can't I be more like that??
I realized something in this small experience. And it's that it's never too early to start talking about acceptance. Granted, he's a boy and he probably won't go through the confidence issues to the extent that a girl would. But he needs to learn from my example, that we all our perfect in our own way. Our "flaws" make us unique and different. I don't ever want my kids to be critical of themselves, because they see me doing it. And I definitely don't want them to ever judge anyone else by their appearance, either.
I don't know. I think since I have boys, I just never thought too much about how I act in regards to my appearance. But, I think it's time to start changing my frame of mind a little more... and realize that yes, even my freckles are pretty.
16 comments:
Oh my goodness, what an angel! I am so sure that I would have teared up if my little lady had said something like that to me. We grow up thinking about how good we look to others that it soon taints how good we look to ourselves. But our children see us as nothing but beautiful and we are so lucky to have these little people in our lives. Big hugs to both of you!
What a sweet little. I can imagine that life would feel happier and better with those tender moments. I love reading posts like this because it shows me these sides of motherhood I would have never thought of.
How sweet! Nothing quite like a compliment from a little one to make your day, because you know they're being one million percent truthful!
I don't understand why people view freckles negatively? I don't even think about them. My entire body is completely covered in them and I don't even notice them. I don't know if it's because I have so many, but I don't even notice them on other people who don't really have as many. So when I hear people say they don't like their freckles at first I'm like, "Wait, freckles are like, a thing that people are concerned about?" And then secondly I start to question my own freckles like, "Ok I guess my entire body is on big piece of flawed skin!"
I don't even notice your freckles, not like I notice my own :-) After years of Chad and now Dane saying they like my freckles I am finally comfortable with them. I could use some affirmation from Bennett thought too!
What a great post! Your freckles are beautiful. I always wanted freckles and I tend to get them in the summer, so every year when I can see them I get excited :)
AWE! I love when my boys say things like that. My son once told me when I was wearing a dress "look mama's a princess"
Great post! What a sweet boy :) I have freckles and am proud of them! :) :)
AT LAST!After 3 months at my new house at the island I have normal internet!I'm so excited!All this time I had only mobile internet and I can say... I think I have problem with my eyes now!Anyway..missed you here!I am also listening on the radio 107.7the end!The inernet radio!
So kisses and comment soon!
I just love this. Sometimes our children really have the best insight and teach us so much. You love those freckles, sweet boy :)
This is SO cute. He is so sweet :)
He's such a sweet yong man. :)
I'm glad they're pretty because I am covered in freckles ;)
Freckles are gorgeous! They look amazing in black and white photos.
I totallh agree with you! It is so important for your children to know that you think you are beautiful. That confidence rubs off on them
Oh sweet Bennett... making me tear up over here, Mandy! I absolutely adore freckles, by the way!!
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