Just Perfect {empowering your kids}

Y'all know I'm all about anything girly.  Even more than that, I love love love anything that empowers and strengthens our next generation of girls so when I heard about this new book, I knew I had to have it.

Just Perfect by Kimberly Mohns Roberts is a cute little story about a mother who has the perfect responses to her daughter's bodily concerns.  It's a call and response storyline that follows each "Mama, I don't like my ____" with the reassurance from her mom that "Your ____ is perfect for..."  It's a sweet, encouraging story for anyone who has decided to actively teach body confidence to their children, daughters specifically.

At school, this would be a great addition to the classroom library.  It may not be appropriate for a read-aloud in the younger grades - only because not all little girls have had these questionable thoughts yet.  I would hate to put that terminology in their mouths if they are anything like my daughter who can look like she survived a whirlwind, look in the mirror and say, "Mommy!  I'm not cute!  I'm beautiful!"  I mean, right?!  That is confidence I don't need to touch until it wavers.  Unfortunately I know that some little girls start putting unfair amounts of comparison and self-worth on their appearance at an early age and this would be a great resource to be able to pull if a situation came up.

For an older classroom, even middle or high school students, I would totally use this as a read-aloud. Big kids like picture books, too, they just never have the chance to read them!  It would be a great discussion starter for students to be able to encourage each other in the strengths they see in their classmates or a wonderful springboard into an assignment on self-reflection.  I would also totally use this for a Girls on the Run lesson or in any type of counseling capacity.

The best part about this project is that it's Kimberly's story.  Not only did she come through anxiety, depression and attempted suicide but she wrote this story to empower her two daughters and the next generation of girls.  She's giving back 5% of the book profits to organizations that also support children, help them gain confidence and provide other resources as needed.  If you don't have kids or a classroom of your own, you can purchase one through her website and have it donated to a charity that can use it as a resource.  How great is that?!

This is a real, true woman who encourages others whenever she can.  Follow her on Instagram at momvscareer for more stinkin cute pics and encouragement like this:

While we're at it, did you know that there are other amazing resources out there to help you build your students' self-confidence?!

Dove has videos and lesson plans available for teachers.  Don't know where to start with an issue with one of your students?!  You're still capable of helping.  Just download the activity guides.  Your words are right there.

For younger girls - like your impressionable little kinders - I am loving this commercial by Barbie.  Like, one of my favorites of all time.

You could show it in class and let your students discuss it.  Use it to freshen up your Community Helpers unit and help your students learn not only what each career is but that each career is attainable for all of them!

Also, Disney Princesses.  That's right.  I have a 3 year old daughter, what else did you think we talked about around here all day?!

{click for video}

"For every girl who dreams big, there's a princess to show her it's possible."  I love this whole angle.  Our littlest girls won't understand some of the heavier hitting concepts.  But if my 3 year old can use Mulan's bravery as inspiration to keep trying during swimming lessons when she's terrified to put her face in the water, who are we to tell Disney that this is silly?  This is genius!

Let's use whatever our kids know, what's age appropriate and what makes sense in their worlds.  Empower them.  Give them examples.  Read them books.  Teach them lessons.  Whatever will work for your littles...use it.  What other resources do you love?!

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