Sponsored post by Mirum Shopper. All opinions are my own.
My sister and I were both pregnant with our first children at the same time. Our due dates were just days apart. She ended up having a baby girl, and I had a baby boy. My niece and my son are nearly the exact same age. Over the past thirteen years, my niece has become the closest thing to a daughter I will ever have. I love her so much, and am so proud of the beautiful young woman she is becoming.
The teen years have arrived for my niece. This is a crucial time in girls’ lives. Their relationships with close family members and friends can definitely have a big impact on their sense of self worth. I want to do everything I can to help my niece build her self esteem and self confidence.
I can have a positive influence on my niece by taking a genuine interest in her. One way I do that is by simply talking to her about the things she likes to do. I always have lots of questions because I only have boys at home and like to stay in the loop with what’s going on in the teen girl world through her.
I encourage my niece to follow her interests in activities like volleyball and photography. She made the volleyball team at school this year. I grew up playing sports and think sports are a great way for girls to build self esteem, get active and keep their bodies’ healthy. I believe that when you are physically healthy, you feel better about yourself emotionally.
I want my niece to know it’s important for her to take care of herself inside and out. Developing good habits like exercise, eating right and personal hygiene lead to strong body confidence and positive health behaviors. Her mom makes sure that the bathroom is stocked with personal items teen girls need to take care of themselves, including body wash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.
Teenagers sometimes need gentle reminders to bathe regularly and use deodorant. I try to find a way to give everyday compliments like “Your hair looks nice the way you brushed it today,” or “Something smells good, is that your body wash?” I want my niece to know that when she takes care of herself, it shows and other people do notice.
Like most teen girls, my niece uses social media to interact with her friends and family. Anytime she’s on social media, she can’t help but see photos, comments, snaps and posts. Whether she realizes it or not, social media has an effect on her. Sometimes it is good, and sometimes it is not. I wish I could put her in a virtual bubble to shield her from all the negativity she sees online. But, I know that is simply impossible. A better solution is to help turn the internet into a positive place by sharing inspirational messages to girls and women.
Dove is spreading positive messages with the #SpeakBeautiful program. The #SpeakBeautiful program shares advice on how to build self esteem and self confidence in our daughters. We can show our support by purchasing Dove products at Sam’s Club.
I like to buy the 3-packs of Dove Body Wash at Sam’s Club. I recently got the New Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash in Sweet Cream and Peony scent. It’s got a soft floral scent that girls and women will love. Plus, it makes your skin feel softer and smoother the very first time you use it.
Printable BeYouTiful Wall Art
One of my favorite positive messages is Be-You-Tiful. It’s a play on the word Beautiful. Have you seen it? I turned it into a 5×7 printable you can download, print and frame for yourself or for your teen daughter’s room. Click on the image below to save it to your computer, or click BeYouTiful PDF to download it in printable PDF form.
Lorelai says
Rory uses dove body wash for her sensitive skin and loves it! The scents are amazing and one of our favorites was in fact the sweet cream and peony scent! It is very important to remind ourselves and the girls in our lives to stay Be-You-Tiful! Thanks for sharing!
Crystal Green says
I know of two teenagers in my life that are struggling to get the body maintenance down pat. It amazes me how they have it wonderful down pat until they hit the tween stage and then it flies out the window.
These are some wonderful tips. Dove products are perfect for helping to get a teenager interested in staying clean and smelling wonderful.
Crystal says
Love that expression! It seems like one of those things, you can never be reminded too many times 🙂 Btw, I remind my daughter all the time about “smell good” tasks so that it doesn’t turn into a “smell bad” situation 😉 #homemattersparty
Nicole says
Thanks, Crystal! I love that expression, too. It’s simple but such a good message. Thank you for stopping by today, have a great weekend!
Marisa says
I love this, it really is always nice to read posts like this one! thanks for sharing!
Nicole says
Thanks, Marisa! I appreciate your comments. So happy you stopped by today. –Nicole
Michelle James says
This is a wonderful post & I love the printable. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
sahana says
Love the message and your printable , Nicole. #HomeMattersParty
Jamie says
I always love what Dove stands for. I wish there were more companies that would do things like this to help our youth and prepare them for a great adulthood! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Nicole says
I totally agree! The Dove #SpeakBeautiful project is wonderful. Thanks for your comments, Jamie! –Nicole
Amanda Goodenough says
I love this printable and I love the dove Be You Tiful campaign! What a great example to set for our children. Good on Dove for making such a positive campaign movement.
Melissa @ The Staten Island family says
It is really wonderful that Dove has made this commitment to help our girls feel better about themselves from the inside out. As the mom of a teen I love to support companies who are doing what they can to support my girl and help make this world a better place!
Aimee Smith says
I love this campaign and I love your viewpoint. If every girl had someone who loved them like this, we would all be a little better!
Nicole says
Thanks, Aimee. Your comment means a lot. I do love her so very much! I appreciate your visit today, have a nice weekend. –Nicole
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
Sending positive messages to kids is SO important!! I have 2 girls, and I know I only want them to see their beauty and not stake their worth in looks, but know that self care is important to keeping them healthy.
Tania says
I’m a huge fan of these Dove campaigns. I’m the mom to 5 girls, and I see how their self-esteem is effected by social media. I love the BeYoutiful print!
Nicole says
Hi Tania, Thank you for your comments. I think the Dove campaigns really can have a positive influence on girls. I’m sure you are expert on this topic with 5 girls in the house. I’m glad you like the BeYouTiful print, too. Have a wonderful weekend! –Nicole
Reesa Lewandowski says
My daughter has so much confidence at 5 and I pray she keeps this forever. I love dove products!
Jennifer says
I love that Dove has made such a commitment over the years to encourage and empower women, young and old. I love their products too – their body wash is amazing!
Olivia Douglass says
Self esteem has always been a struggle of mine. I always worried about what others thought of me. I’ve gotten better as I’ve gotten older but I can always use a good boost.
Janeane Davis says
I am a big believer in the power of words. This post was a great reminder to surround oneself with words that encourage, inspire and motivate.
Lisa Favre says
Aww I love this printable! It would look great in my office and has so much meaning behind it.
Cyn Gagen says
I love the message in BeYouTiful! I need to print this out and hang it where my daughter and I can see it every day. I used to teach preteens and teens and I know how important it is to give them those positive messages.
Nicole says
Thanks, Cyn! I hope you enjoy the printable. –Nicole
gingermommyrants says
I have been using Dove products for years. I love how soft my skin feels. The always have the best campaigns to help girls feel confident.
Nicole says
I’m loving the new Dove Body Wash – it really does make skin feel softer even the first time! Thanks for your comment. -Nicole
Stacie says
Sending positive messages to teenage girls is a great thing to do. With technology today, there is to much access to the negative.
Liz Mays says
I really love the printable idea and their message makes me happy. Thank goodness they’re trying to counter the effects society has on our girls.
Nicole says
Thanks, Liz! I love the message, too. Girls today are bombarded with negative social media. We need more positive things out there. –Nicole