Raising a Modest Girlchild
This is a little bit embarrassing. You see, back when I was slow I couldn't get Everyday Mommy to come up fast enough, so I never got into the habit of visiting over there. So now, inspired by Rebecca's Barbie post, I'm blogging about modesty (a recurrent theme here) for WFMW, not even realizing there is this whole Moms For Modesty thing going on over there.
Some thoughts on raising modest girls (I'm blessed to have two!):
I wish I knew WHY that last one works, but it did for me. Perhaps a future Riveting Question?
Some thoughts on raising modest girls (I'm blessed to have two!):
- Exercise your parental authority. See this previous post.
- There's no better text for giving them the tools to be "artistically" beautiful than that book I push (and I do own the Instructor's Manual).
- Get rid of your TV.
- Don't buy foo-foo shoes. What kindergartener needs platform sandals?
I wish I knew WHY that last one works, but it did for me. Perhaps a future Riveting Question?
posted by Rebecca | 5:29 PM
9 Comments:
One of the best things my church/family did for me was to teach me to be modest. When I went into the working world I didn't have to worry about whether something was appropriate or not & i'm not constantly tugging on my clothes trying to make something too small fit.
Oooh--you're really being challenging here. You know, I think you may be right about the shoes!! Never thought about it, but it sort of sets the stage for being a trendsetter (or follower, as the case may be). And we do have a TV, and eight year old dd does watch it, but I have always monitored what she watches, and I think that may have something to do with her ability to be a 3rd grade girl--not teen wannabe. Thanks for the reminders. I will stay diligent.
I would add that reading lots of good old fashioned books (like Anne of Green Gables) helps. My oldest (almost nine and homeschooled) and a friend of hers (just turned 10 and pulic schooled) both love old fashioned dresses and wear them constantly. The main thing they have in common (other than being taught about modesty and about Christ) is a love for historical fiction and fairytales.
Platform sandals for a child in kindergarten? Not only is that too 'grownup,' it seems downright dangerous. How can a little kid play in stupid shoes?
I am totally, totally against getting rid of TV. I am, of course, for regulating what little kids see. But to cut it off completely? No way. Sure, even the best shows sometimes have things you don't agree with. But what a great opportunity for education! When something would come on that I did not approve of...instead of snapping off the TV in a huff, I'd discuss why I disapproved. (Except really 'adult' stuff. That's what the remote is for. I mean...even commercials get carried away!) For example, if a kid was being disrespectful to an adult (I can't understand why this is supposed to be comical), I'd point out and say, "wow, look at the sn*tty way that kid is treating his mom. I'm sure glad you kids aren't like that!" Or if there was a story about a kidnapping, I'd point out that the kidnapper looked like a nice man and discuss how strangers don't have to look mean and scary. Of course, I'm not talking about little kids. I'm talking kids who are old enough to understand me. For the record, 3 are now terrific adults and the youngest is a 16-year-old who never gave me a bit of trouble.
Excellent ideas and it ties in nicely with her modesty one ;). Happy Wednesday - our tip is up as well!
Hello! Sent over from Shannon's page.
I have to say, your last one cracked me up. I have a 7 month old and people keep feeling the need to buy her these elaborate shoes.
Too bad they don't know she goes barefoot all summer and lives in her Robeez all winter.
No platforms for us! :)
I'm keeping these ideas in mind if we ever are blessed with a daughter. Thanks for sharing.
I've posted a WFMW baptism gift tip. Stop by and take a peek. :)
Heather, I totally agree (and so do my daughters).
Mom2fur, we agree on alot and, if we were going to have a TV, I would probably do it just like you. Sorry to say that we actually use the real people in our acquaintance for the kinds of education you are talking about!
Thanks for participating!
I love my tv, but I love it the way I love wine - once in a while and in moderation. The same rules apply to my kids (about tv. They can keep their grubby hands off that other stuff), but yes, it's hard not to backslide with television.
As far as goofy shoes - my infant daughter was given clear plastic platform sandals with "FLIRTY GIRL" written in bright red text on the sides. She was one. (and no, she never wore them!)
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