For those of you who are raising three-year-olds, you understand the dreaded “three-nager” phase. This phase comes with boundary testing and fierce independence. My youngest is a wild, free-spirited, little lady with a big personality and a ton of self-confidence! The more I think about it, I start to imagine what it would be like to live with the same unapologetic confidence as my toddler?
There is nothing like confidence
To prepare for a typical day, I lay out all of my children’s clothes the evening before to help our morning run smoothly. My youngest is used to this routine and rarely gives us trouble with getting ready. On one recent morning, I realized that Laurel hadn’t come out of her room yet, so I went to check on her. Of course, she quickly responded that she was getting dressed and could do it herself. I was back in the kitchen finishing breakfast when she walked out. She did not emerge in the outfit I had picked out but was instead wearing her pink rubber boots, a unicorn tulle dress, and a deer antler headband from her dress-up box.
She strutted around without a care in the world, proudly exclaiming that she was ready for the day. It is moments like this where I hope she never forgets to always be her true self. And then I think, when did I lose this very belief in myself?
I lost my confidence along the way
Unfortunately, I don’t live with my three-year-old’s unashamed confidence. This could include confidence in my ability as a mom, confidence in my appearance on a rare night out, or confidence in my body when I see swimsuits at the store.
When did I lose confidence in myself? Why did it happen? Is it because I’m worried about what other people will say? Is it because I let society influence how I think I should look?
I don’t have all of the answers, but I do know that if I want to foster my daughter’s confidence, I must set a better example.
I have started to change the narrative for myself. I have started daily affirmations for myself and my kids. I’ve started to ignore my concerns about what others might say and instead do what is right for me.
Who is with me?
Accountability is key. Having a group of people supporting you makes it easier to live confidently and do your own thing. Let’s start being each other’s cheerleaders and never miss another moment to show off our reclaimed confidence.
