Ten Tips

On Encouraging Inner Beauty In Girls

by Sandy Galea

1. 01

   Use the word ‘beautiful’ to describe godly behaviour in your daughter or the women around them. ‘It was beautiful when you shared your toys.’ ‘Saying sorry is beautiful to God.’ ‘That woman is such a beautiful woman. She always looks out for people who are sitting by themselves at church.‘ Try not to use the word to describe outward appearance.

2. 02

   Mother’s be honest. Tell your daughters what parts of your own body you like and what parts you don’t like. Encourage her to be honest. Then ask God to help both of you be thankful to God for the way he has made you.

3. 03

   How much time does your daughter see you spend in front of the mirror? Do you have too many mirrors in your home?

4. 04

   Teach your daughter about modesty from a young age. When buying clothes ask: ‘Is this modest? Is it too tight? Is it too short? Is my belly showing? Is it too low in the front?’ Little girls who dress modestly will be more likely to grow to be women who dress modestly. Show your daughter how important modesty is. Be prepared to buy a more expensive outfit if it means your daughter will be modestly dressed.

5. 05

   Stop and think about how often you talk about weight? Your own weight, the weight of family members, the weight of friends, people on TV, people in magazines...etc.

6. 06

   Come down hard on teasing or ‘friendly joking’ based on weight or body ‘imperfections’, especially between siblings.

7. 07

   Talk about eating a healthy balanced diet, not the fat or carb content of every item in the fridge.

8. 08

   Talk about gluttony and greed (as your daughter consumes her fifth Tim Tam), not the weight they might gain.

9. 09

   Talk about self-control when your daughter impulsively fridge grazes. Delayed gratification is an important characteristic to develop in your daughter. Teach your daughter not to give in at the first hint of hunger, instead to wait and eat with the family. Saying ‘no’ when temptations are small will help her to learn to say ‘no’ when temptations are bigger.

10. 10

    Celebrate God’s gifts - being a woman, being creative, the sheer variety of colours and fabrics God has given us to use and enjoy... Balance is very important.

by Sandy Galea