Which would you rather have? A pure heart or a beautiful face? Your answer might be BOTH! But, that doesn’t happen as often as it should. It would be great if we were all beautiful and kind at the same time. Some people are. But, what about the kids and adults who are not considered pretty or handsome? Do we love them less? Not if we have a kind and pure heart we don’t.  Unfortunately, society puts such emphasis on how we look rather than how we act. Young girls, especially, feel they have to have the most up-to-date clothes and make-up. They think those things will make them more accepted by the “in-crowd”. Sad, but true. Their self-esteem is all wrapped up in appearances.

So, how can we cultivate the idea in our kids that their self-worth should be measured by what kind of person they are INSIDE, rather than OUTSIDE? One of the ways is for the adults around them to believe that, too. Of course there is nothing wrong with trying to look your best. It’s just that getting so wrapped up in that mode can be self-defeating. Ask yourself and your child not only, “How do I look today?” when looking in the mirror; but, also, “How does my “heart” look today?” “Am I being kind and loving to everyone or not so much?” If you don’t concentrate on your “inside appearance” it might get completely overlooked. Help your kids to know that no matter what they look like on the outside, that it’s what’s inside that really counts!