WISHING EVERYONE A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

As one of  Dove Movement’s Champions, I thought it was appropriate to share my thoughts with all of you to encourage you to support this movement.

 A child’s self esteem is a fragile thing and to damage it could cause untold problems for the remainder of the child’s life. It is said that if you tell a child how special she is, she will grow up with the confidence to face anything, but tell her she’s a failure, and she will become one. Being openly critical of your children can therefore prophecy their future, so building a child’s self esteem starts within the family.

Young children believe what adults tell them, but they are very good at detecting insincerity, so it’s important, if you want your child to believe in your praise, that you believe in it yourself. Girls in particular are extremely sensitive to criticisms about their appearance. By acknowledging her feelings and allowing her to express herself, you can reassure her and help her to overcome a negative self-image.

It is important to teach children that self confidence is more important than superficial appearances. Teach them to feel good inside and this will translate to what they feel on the outside. By feeling good about themselves, they will be more inclined to believe they look good. Creating inner confidence is therefore the key to boosting a child’s self esteem.

This can be achieved by reassurance and praise. Notice all achievements, however small, and praise these to encourage future successes. If their clothes or hair look nice, focus on these rather than directly on their looks. In particular, praise kind thoughts and actions. Remind them regularly about the importance of self-belief and inner beauty. People who believe in themselves can make the world believe in them also.

It is especially important, in this media-driven age, for young girls to understand that everyone’s body is different and unique and that individuality is a good thing. They need to know that television merely re-presents someone’s ideas – which are not necessarily the truth. Explain about the photographic tools used by magazines to enhance appearances of models to present a beautified image.

Being a positive role model to your child will go a great way to improving her self esteem. It is simply a case of practising what you preach, so avoid being hard or negative about yourself. Gently redirect any negative or inaccurate perceptions as soon as you are aware of them and your child’s self esteem will develop naturally, enabling her to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

At Dove Movement, we’re helping to create a world where every woman and girl has the confidence to reach her full potential. Will you help us? Join the movement and share positive self-esteem at dovemovement.com.

 May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump

May your potatoes & gravy

Have nary a lump

May your yams be delicious

And your prize takes the prize

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs

The long year end school holidays is just two weeks away and my kids are already doing their own countdown. Apart from the yearly trip that we have already planned for, we are considering the possibility of taking them camping. To be honest, I’m not really excited about this. It was the hubby’s idea and knowing the allergic reaction my kids get when bitten by mozzies, camping is definitely not on the top of my list of favourite activities to do this holiday. Nevertheless, I could not deprieve my kids of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoor, right?

Needless to say, both my kids are pretty excited about it and have even reminded me numerous times to purchase some camping equipment. I have scoured the internet and have discovered where to buy some affordable camping gear such as a family tent, some sleeping bags and probably an outdoor burner. There are other things that we may need to bring along such as torch lights, a pocket knife, pots and pans, a binocular, blankets, clothing and lantern but these are already available at home. 

I just realized that there aren’t as many camping equipment that we needed to buy, as I had thought earlier. That’s a definite plus as I do not want to spend too much on items which we use only occassionally.  If somehow the trip did not materialize, I guess we can always use the camping gear for camp out in our own backyard!

So, what’s your plan for this coming school holidays?

Disclosure : http://cmp.ly/3

Sorry for the absence folks. I’ve been having a bad case of allergy which just makes it quite impossible to concentrate on my writing. Thus, I’m not able to update all of my blogs lately.

Anyway, here’s just wishing all of you:

If you’re a follower of my blog, you would have noticed that I have blogged about The Dove Movement To Raise Self Esteem here, on my family blog as well as on my beauty & fashion blog  from as far back as Year 2007.  I am so honoured to have been invited to be in the movement’s team of Champions. Our role is to help spread the word on this movement which women everywhere have the tools to take action and inspire each other and the girls in their lives. Thousands of women have joined the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem online, and we would love to have everyone of you out there to show your support too.

If this is the first time you are hearing about The Dove Movement, here’s a quick look at the initiative and it’s new vision:

If you’re ready to show your support, join us here! Together, we can inspire all women and girls to reach their full potential.

WISHING ALL THE FATHERS, DADS & PAPAS AROUND THE WORLD

Attention all BlogHer 2010 Moms! Do you need a time-out and some quality “me” time? Well, BornFree wants to give you a well deserved break!

BornFree is offering one lucky mom going to BlogHer 2010 in NYC this August the Ultimate Indulgence Package at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa, Dinner for two at The Russian Tea Room & a $1,000 NYC Shopping Spree! Here’s the link to enter & win.