What do I like about myself?
I’ve been reading Dr. Meg Meeker’s book 10 Habits of Happy Mothers. In chapter one, “Understand Your Value as a Mother,” she asks the reader to write out a list of things you are really good at or, basically, what you like about yourself.
I didn’t realize how difficult a task this would be. After I formed some sort of list, I called my daughters in one at a time and framed the same question to them. They also had a hard time answering…which made me sad.
This was a reminder to me to speak words of praise and affirmation to our girls. Not to build up their self esteem or make them proud, but rather to help them realize how valuable they are to God and to us as their parents. I also want them to learn to recognize their strengths so that they can know how best they serve others. Their gifts and talents, personalities and strengths were given to them for a reason.
I am trying to make sure I speak at least one positive statement about our girls to themselves each day. This could range from “Your writing on your History paper was very neat today” to “I like how you cleared the dishes from the table without being reminded.” I also plan to ask my girls this same question again in the future and see how they respond.
Do you find it difficult to create a list of qualities or abilities you like about yourself?
Hmm….interesting. I've not thought about that before! I try to use good encouraging phrases to build my girls up – and now I'm going to really work on that!
I haven't tried to make this type of list in a long time, but I'm sure I would find it hard. I read a while ago how important it is to catch your children doing good things (not just the bad ones), so I'm working on that and trying to praise and encourage them when I do.
I'm a super positive (obnoxiously so? :-P) person, so this is actually really easy for me. I *think* it would be for my kids, too, but now I really want to ask them!!!