About this quote

Too many girls grow up hearing criticism before they hear a kind word. Early compliments stick; they change how someone measures themselves later on. If you care for a child, speak plainly and often — tell her she is pretty, kind, or brave, and mean it. What small compliment can you give today?

When to use it

• At my daughter's school recital she kept apologizing for the way she looked, so I crouched down and told her she looked beautiful and steady afterward.
• As a fifth-grade art teacher, I said that exact line to a shy student who refused to draw because she thought she wasn't pretty enough for the yearbook.
• After a teen on the soccer team refused the team photo over a scar, the coach put an arm around her and said she looked strong and beautiful.
• When a young colleague kept worrying about her hair before an interview, I told her plainly, "You look fine," and watched her stand taller.