Yesterday, a friend of mine started a discussion on facebook about the way we talk to girls. That, as a society, we tell them to be cute but not smart. There was a book involved with this discussion but I didn't look at it. It was an interesting conversation.
For me, it was important to tell Xavier every day how beautiful/handsome he is. I battled an eating disorder in college and have struggled with my own self image so why not give him a foundation to prevent this. I, also, tell him he's smart but sadly it usually goes like this "You're too smart to do this" (whatever this is).
I know he's a brilliant young man and he's good looking when he takes care of himself but I never know if I am doing anything right.
So, last night, Xavier crawls into bed with me because I was in bed before him (I get tucked in instead of him). I ask him - would he rather have someone say he was beautiful, smart or talented. He asked me why they would say that and I replied it didn't matter which would he prefer. He thought about it for a moment and then said "well, I already know I am two of those things." I asked him which two - he said smart and talented but that he's only beautiful in his mother's eyes.
Yep - he sure is smart but I think he's still a beautiful boy even if it's just the beauty of his heart.
1 comment:
Oh, how heartbreaking and sweet! How often does your son make you cry?
My oldest boy is a goofball and constantly talks back, but then he gets so serious and watery-eyed to say, "Mama. I love you." And he's only four!
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