Dearest Cub and Bub,
I am not sure you cared much for my previous letter, but then that is no reason to stop me from writing you another one. This time lets talk about beauty perhaps? The inner and outer variety? What really matters? Or let us just play by the ear and see what this chitthi says, eh?
Wear comfortable shoes. Most of the time. Especially you, Bub. You are the one who is going to have all the temptation in the world. Yes, wear those impossible heels once in a while. Be a fashion victim sometimes. Sometimes, being the key word in this case. Nothing is worth a broken back and painful knees and bad posture! :)
Same goes for clothes. Wear clothes that are clean, ironed and comfortable. Wear ones that add to the feel good factor about yourself, but do not let That be he deciding factor for how you feel about yourself! Ever! :) Taking this a little forward, do not judge people by what they wear. In most cases, it just will not matter or even give you an idea about who they really are.
Ever noticed how the word Make-up screams that what you have is not enough? That you need something more to Make-up for what you do not have. Do not use it as far as possible. It is just a lot of chemicals that you can easily do without. Save it for special occasions if you will? And wait till you are old enough to use it? As for me, I have liked my lipsticks and in recent past nail polish. But, I have never felt the need to have those on every time I step out and find myself being more comfortable in my skin as is. I don't expect you to get there young, but least you know you can try! :)
Instead, concentrate on staying healthy. Eat well. Eat fresh as much as possible. Both of you love fruits (most of them) - keep that love going strong. Drink lots of water. Try and not be fussy about food. It is meant to give you nourishment. If it is tasty as well, that is a bonus. (See, how I covered my not being a good cook!;)
Get exercise. Especially the fresh air kind. Or even the gym, if that is what works for you. Stay fit and keep up stamina. Do not let yourself go, the way your parents did. Take up a sport if you can. Just for fun really. You know your AAji always told me, that whatever you see outside is a sign of what is going on inside your body. If you are not taking care of that, even best shampoos in the world cannot save your hair or best lotions your skin! :) I did not listen to her, but you can and should! :)
Maintain basic hygiene at all times. Bath, teeth, nails - yes that kind of basic stuff. It is hugely underrated this commonsense funda. Oh and let us not forget basic bathroom manners as well. Especially no dirty and wet seats, PLEASE! :)
Edited to add - This suggestion by my friend Swapna! Use sun screen! And umbrella or a hat as well! Yes!
You know all that talk about 'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" - true that! :) And, I do sincerely hope that both of you will find that for yourself - sooner than later.
Repeat after me - Colour does not matter. Nor the size. Fair does not equal to beautiful. More importantly, Dark does NOT equal to ugly or any less beautiful. People come in all colours, shapes and sizes and none of it really matters except for differentiating one person from another. Really. :) I know there will be times, when it will all seem balderdash - the inner beauty thing - particularly. But keep the faith. Your natural kindness and genuineness will always shine through. So will a true smile that reaches your eyes. That is the time when you do not need to use so called regular parameters to decide if someone is beautiful - physically.
Most importantly, LOVE YOURSELF. There will be moments of self doubt - a desire to be someone you are not naturally. But it will pass quick enough if you believe in yourself. Just stay healthy and happy and the rest will follow.
And if you are ever worried about not being good enough - look at yourself through our eyes! :)
All my love and kisses
Mumma
I am not sure you cared much for my previous letter, but then that is no reason to stop me from writing you another one. This time lets talk about beauty perhaps? The inner and outer variety? What really matters? Or let us just play by the ear and see what this chitthi says, eh?
Wear comfortable shoes. Most of the time. Especially you, Bub. You are the one who is going to have all the temptation in the world. Yes, wear those impossible heels once in a while. Be a fashion victim sometimes. Sometimes, being the key word in this case. Nothing is worth a broken back and painful knees and bad posture! :)
Same goes for clothes. Wear clothes that are clean, ironed and comfortable. Wear ones that add to the feel good factor about yourself, but do not let That be he deciding factor for how you feel about yourself! Ever! :) Taking this a little forward, do not judge people by what they wear. In most cases, it just will not matter or even give you an idea about who they really are.
Ever noticed how the word Make-up screams that what you have is not enough? That you need something more to Make-up for what you do not have. Do not use it as far as possible. It is just a lot of chemicals that you can easily do without. Save it for special occasions if you will? And wait till you are old enough to use it? As for me, I have liked my lipsticks and in recent past nail polish. But, I have never felt the need to have those on every time I step out and find myself being more comfortable in my skin as is. I don't expect you to get there young, but least you know you can try! :)
Instead, concentrate on staying healthy. Eat well. Eat fresh as much as possible. Both of you love fruits (most of them) - keep that love going strong. Drink lots of water. Try and not be fussy about food. It is meant to give you nourishment. If it is tasty as well, that is a bonus. (See, how I covered my not being a good cook!;)
Get exercise. Especially the fresh air kind. Or even the gym, if that is what works for you. Stay fit and keep up stamina. Do not let yourself go, the way your parents did. Take up a sport if you can. Just for fun really. You know your AAji always told me, that whatever you see outside is a sign of what is going on inside your body. If you are not taking care of that, even best shampoos in the world cannot save your hair or best lotions your skin! :) I did not listen to her, but you can and should! :)
Maintain basic hygiene at all times. Bath, teeth, nails - yes that kind of basic stuff. It is hugely underrated this commonsense funda. Oh and let us not forget basic bathroom manners as well. Especially no dirty and wet seats, PLEASE! :)
Edited to add - This suggestion by my friend Swapna! Use sun screen! And umbrella or a hat as well! Yes!
You know all that talk about 'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" - true that! :) And, I do sincerely hope that both of you will find that for yourself - sooner than later.
Repeat after me - Colour does not matter. Nor the size. Fair does not equal to beautiful. More importantly, Dark does NOT equal to ugly or any less beautiful. People come in all colours, shapes and sizes and none of it really matters except for differentiating one person from another. Really. :) I know there will be times, when it will all seem balderdash - the inner beauty thing - particularly. But keep the faith. Your natural kindness and genuineness will always shine through. So will a true smile that reaches your eyes. That is the time when you do not need to use so called regular parameters to decide if someone is beautiful - physically.
Most importantly, LOVE YOURSELF. There will be moments of self doubt - a desire to be someone you are not naturally. But it will pass quick enough if you believe in yourself. Just stay healthy and happy and the rest will follow.
And if you are ever worried about not being good enough - look at yourself through our eyes! :)
All my love and kisses
Mumma
8 comments:
This is like the most amazingly practical and sweet letter one could ever write to their kids..thanks Abha...I got a good learning today :)
couldn't have come at a better time...just this night, Naren said, "Mommy, I think you are getting too fat." While it is true and not to mention it hurt, it got me thinking why it is important for kids to emphasize this. Is it important to him that I am slim or is it all the recent ads he's been watching TV???
A wise and honest letter. Love it that you leave them enough slack that they can come back if they do stray- to err is human! Bub and Cub are so lucky to have you both as parents.
On a related note, I just shared this link on FB. Sharing it here too. Everyone needs to watch it, yes, men and parents of only boys too- for the boys' attitudes towards the significant women in their lives matter too.
http://www.upworthy.com/finally-pictures-of-gorgeous-women-that-make-you-feel-better-about-yourself-inst?c=mrp1
lovely as always
Both letters are so heart felt and so honest and forthright. Raising level headed, down to earth kids has become all important esp in this day and age and you are doing an awesome job. Cheers!
Lovely .... and so true ..."Your natural kindness and genuineness will always shine through "..beautifully expressed as always .. <3 :)
Such a cute n simple post n conveying some necessary facts too! well penned Abha!
very lucidly penned conveying the much needed tips for kids!
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