I get it. It’s really hard to look in the mirror and think, “Golly, I sure love you!” Usually we see blemishes and stretch marks first, tired eyes and crazy mom hair.
But if I believe anything, it’s that self-confidence begins at home and the very best thing I can do for my children is to love myself just the way I am. If I’m able to model self-love and appreciation, I hope they’ll choose to do the same.
Today I want to share 10 confidence boosters for you and your daughter. Not that sons don’t need a confidence boost, but I feel like the words we use and the way we go about it are very different for girl and boys, so first up, girls … 
PLAY THE “I LOVE …” GAME
First I say something I love about myself, then you say something you love about you. Then we swap and say something that we love about each other! It be inside or outside beauty, something about our personality or talents.
ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE
There are just some words that we don’t speak out loud. This will be different for every home, but decide what you’re ok with and what you’re not and stick to it.
FIND PRODUCTS THAT WORK FOR YOU
Being confident doesn’t mean being ignorant. For example, my skin also has a tendency to get dry so I aim to drink tons of water and lotion up with products designed for my skin type. This little lesson applies to hair, make up, clothing and all that jazz. Being confident is learning who you are and how to best care for yourself.
SHOWCASE ROLE MODELS
Uh. The media is so full of photoshopped and unrealistic people. We daily talk about all the beautiful people in our life. The ones we see and know. And when someone truly beautiful IS highlighted in the media, I pay attention and share my thoughts with my kids. Yes, even though they’re little. They are listening!
GOODBYE SCALE
Weight can become a constant battle. And for me, it’s a battle that just isn’t worth it. Our scale is gone and now I gauge my “weight” by how my clothes fit, how strong I feel and how well I’m eating.
HEALTHY IS BEAUTIFUL
I think we all KNOW this, but believing it and living it is something to constantly practice. Teaching my children about exercise and healthy food choices is just as important as helping them learn to take care of and love their bodies.
WRITE IT
So often I focus on saying and modeling what I want my kids to believe, but writing it down can be powerful too. Whether it be a love note or a quote that I frame for our wall, reading words can be quite powerful in boosting confidence.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
This applies to so many areas of my life and definitely applies to my confidence. It’s not easy to find balance, but I know when my life is less cluttered, both emotionally and physically, I’m happier and thus, more confident.
EMBRACE THE NATURAL
I don’t get “ready” everyday. My kids see me with styled hair and make up just as much as they don’t and I like that my full range is normal for them.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOU MOUTH IS
There are certain brands that don’t align with the way I want myself or my family influenced. Especially when it comes to confidence and beauty. And so, I don’t support them or their parent companies anymore. It’s that simple. Money talks. Find brands who believe in you and send your dollars that way :)
Part of embracing the natural is letting my hair go free. It took me almost 10 years to love my wavy, wild and curly hair. I remember when straighteners first came out and how much I NEEDED one because my non-straight hair just wasn’t trendy or pretty. I spent way too many hours straightening (and thus, frying) my hair and I’m so happy I’ve arrived at the realization that straight hair is JUST ONE WAY hair can look nice.
With my waves and curls I usually look for a hair product designed just for me. And I’ve found that in Dove’s Quench Absolute Collection. There are 4 products in this collection — Quench Absolute Ultra Nourishing Shampoo, Quench Absolute Ultra Nourishing Conditioner, Quench Absolute Intensive Restoration Mask and Quench Absolute Supreme Crème Serum. And I must say, I love the smell AND RESULTS! Oh, Dove, you’ve managed another win in the beauty industry! Us curly girls are happy happy happy!
Dove is definitely one of those companies I love supporting. They have been a catalyst in the media for featuring real bodies and true beauty. Love love love. They’ve taken things a step further in their mission with a new book — Love Your Curls. You can download it in e-book form from the Dove website. The artwork is lovely, as are the poems inspired by real women. Plus, what better bedtime story to end the day with for your daughter? Send her off with sweet dreams of loving herself … just the way she is! Check it out! 
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.