A mum has explained why she will never call her own daughter “beautiful.”
Claire O’Reilly said she realised something when her daughter, Annie, was born.
Having already raised two boys, the new mum was obviously delighted when she welcomed a baby girl.
However, the midwife’s reaction to her daughter got her thinking.
Writing for the Daily Mail Claire said:
“The midwives who delivered my sons pronounced them strong, sturdy lads. But Annie – at a massive 9lb 10oz, far heavier than either of her brothers – was first called ‘beautiful’ by the midwife when she was less than a minute old.”
Interesting.
Claire’s point here is that even though all of her babies are beautiful, only Annie was explicitly said to be so because of her gender, despite being technically stronger than her brothers were when they were born.
The mum went on to say that this attitude continued throughout Annie’s life.
She was told she was beautiful and good looking, as opposed to adventurous or smart like her brothers.
Claire said that, over time, she “became determined to balance things out.”
“I decided early on that I would never call Annie beautiful, stunning, or even pretty – indeed, I’d never praise her for her looks at all.
“Privately, I admit, I treasure her beautiful smile and every flash of her huge brown eyes. I’m awed by the perfection of her freckly nose and smooth porcelain skin.
“But while I shower her in compliments about her ability at sport, her kindness to animals or her dedication in practising the piano, I keep my thoughts about her appearance to myself.”
Claire even said that when her daughter asked her how she looked before a school disco, she said “You look ready for dancing.”
So, what do you think? Is this a good method of parenting or should Claire just tell all of her children that they’re beautiful?
Let us know in the comments.
