Dove’s Self-Esteem Weekend – Love in Action

 

Imagine a hotel suite full of tween girls. Think dancing, fashion shows, makeup, crazy-esque pool side manner and of course, mani/pedi action. Think girly giggles, and fast-paced sentences peppered with variations of the words like, no way or omg! Yes, think 12 sugar-amped tweens rocking out to hit songs like Whip My Hair and Friday.

Yes, I know you’re thinking I’m an absolute nut! And I’m not altogether denying your assessment. In fact, I’m inclined to agree with you. But before you write me off too quickly, here are a few things you should consider:

• 20-40% of girls begin dieting at age 10
• 59% of 5-12 grade girls, in one study, were dissatisfied with their body shape
• Between 5th and 9th grade, gifted girls begin to hide their accomplishments because being “smart isn’t sexy.”
• 7 in 10 young girls feel they aren’t good enough or don’t measure up to standards about looks and image
• 25% of girls with low self-esteem engage in negative behaviors like cutting, injuring one’s self, and eating disorders.
• 62% of girls are insecure

The reality is that even with all of the phenomenal strides women continue to make, young girls continue to fall prey to insecurity, negative behaviors and faulty thinking. Societal messages in the form of commercials, videos, movies and the like, continue to huff, puff  and blow against the fragile walls in the heart of young girls.

Let’s work to change that, shall we?

I plan to partner with Dove and take this pledge. Not only because I’m a mother of a tween daughter but because I remember what being 12 felt like. Not liking my long legs, despising my dark skin and feeling like descriptions such as “beautiful” would always be outside of my reach.

I want my daughter and her friends to know that smart IS sexy, that long legs are divine and that no matter what your skin looks like, beauty is yours now and always.

Won’t you join me?