Parents can indirectly cause the most harm to their kids. This is what former Generations and The Road star Sthandiwe Kgoroge took to Instagram to talk about. The star reflected on the damage some parents cause when they do not affirm their children on their beauty or smartness in order to keep them humble.
In a post the star shared a story of a friend who was never told she was beautiful and the negative effects it had on her:
"One of my best friends is drop-dead gorgeous and she says she doesn't remember her mom telling her that she's beautiful. When people mentioned it, she would hear her mom say, 'don't ruin my child'. Our parents thought if they told us that we're beautiful or that we're smart, it would make us big headed."
Sthandiwe could empathise with why parents would do so, but she also believes that it is the time for these traditions to be broken.
"They were doing what they knew and what they thought is love and keeping us grounded and humble. That's why these uncomfortable chains need to be broken with our own parents through intergenerational conversations and new traditions of affirmation started with our children."
Although self-confidence, worth and belief is a personal journey Sthandiwe has shared how she has pledged to encourage her children and make her feel worthwhile.
“My daughter is 9 and already the questions she asks me have to do with skin tone and body image. I might not have all the answers, but it’s important to me that I listen to her and not try to make light of something I know has the potential to impact her for the rest of her life. My involvement on the #DSEPcampaign starts with me: It starts in the home, with what I say to the boys and to my daughter.” You are beautiful, you are worthy, you are so smart, you are kind and you are ENOUGH!," she shared.
