“As a mother of an 8 year old girl, this one really interests me. AND I have to say from the outset, that I am as guilty as anyone for doing this…the moment you are introduced to a friend’s daughter and you default to mentioning something about how pretty they are or how beautiful their hair is…

These things in themselves are not bad, but it would be good to shift the focus from their external appearance and instead engage them in more important conversation. Teaching them that their appearance is the first thing you notice can send a message that looks are more important than anything else.”