I think the key thing is to not focus on any ONE thing, be it looks or brains or hobbies or anything else. Kids shouldn't think their value lies in their appearance. They also shouldn't think their value lies in whether or not they like to read, whether they play baseball well, whether they are artistic, etc. etc. etc. Kids need to know they are valued because they exist in the world. I agree sooo much with a lot of what Brook said. Kids need to have the feeling that their parents love them no matter what and that a million little wonderful things make up the valuable person that they are. No one is going to go through life without feeling insecure in some way at some point in time. But, feeling insecure isn't the worst thing in the world if you know deep down that you are a valuable human being. Kids who know that get through the moments of insecurity and become stronger.
I get the point of this article, but I don't think quizzing a kid about the books they are reading instead of telling them they are cute is the answer. It's a lot broader issue.
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