This month I’m taking part in the Blogging from A-Z Challenge and will be posting every day except Sundays. My readers voted for the theme “Life, the Universe, and Everything According to My Five-Year-Old”. During bedtime discussions and colouring sessions, my daughter will finally be providing the answers to the philosophical problems and unsolved mysteries that have puzzled humanity’s greatest thinkers for centuries.
What is beauty?
I often tell my daughter she is beautiful, but I also try to compliment her just as much on her creativity, curiosity and kindness. Though she enjoys dressing up, she is not really a “girly girl”, so I found her answer quite surprising.
Me: What do you think beauty is?
Leona: Hmm. It’s someone that has jewels…and dresses…and lipstick.
Me: What if someone doesn’t have jewels and dresses and lipstick? Can they still be beautiful?
L: Um. Yeah! By putting a top on and a skirt, trousers and socks. And also a hairband.
Me: Ahh. So being beautiful is about how you dress?
L: Mmm-mmm.
Me: Can boys be beautiful?
L: [Exasperated] Yes!
Me: What do they have to wear to be beautiful?
L: Dresses and lipstick. If they want. Or a headband. And a skirt.
Me: Oh, I see. Can anybody be beautiful?
L: Yesssss! We don’t have to say they’re ugly. That’s a really bad word. [Loses interest in the conversation and runs off to play.]
What does beauty mean to you? Do you feel beautiful in a dress or skirt with lipstick on? Let me know in the comments!
Wow, that is good parenting, right there. Eventually she will learn that hairbands are not necessary accessories, but respecting all people? That is forever – I hope. So adorable… Even more adorable than yesterday. Thank you so much for sharing this uplifting post.
Well, I don’t think anyone wants to see me dressed up in a dress with lipstick on – it definitely wouldn’t be beautiful! Interesting answer, I think with age and experience that definition will change.
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/02/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-b/
Well, 2020 has certainly removed the need of lipstick, at least for me. Love the conversation you had with your daughter about beauty, and look forward to hearing more wisdom in the coming weeks.
https://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com/
(theme: Novel Research – novel as in different/interesting/unusual)
…Should we be worried that kids have picked up make-up = beauty by the age of five? Because I’m sure you’re one of the good parents, so Lord knows what the kids with cr**py parents are thinking.
Absolutely. I was quite surprised and disappointed to hear her say that. I’m guessing she’s picked it up from the YouTube videos she watches where kids play dress-up with their dolls. It’s sad. But I’m glad I know what she thinks about it now so I can talk about it with her.