K often runs up to me to show me something she’s made: a song, a story, a drawing. “Are you proud of me?” she asks.
I ask back, “Are you proud of you?” As someone who grew up needing a lot of external validation and knowing how hard and fickle and endlessly dissatisfying that can be, I do what I can to plant little seeds of self-approval in my little girl. I like to watch her glow, nod, and say, yes, yes I am. I’m so proud of me. I might be naive to think that this will instill a lifelong habit of creating a sense of worth that doesn’t depend on others’ feedback, but one can always hope.
Incidentally, K did that painting above at an art camp last year. The campers studied and imitated impressionists, as you can tell, and this is her interpretation of The Manneport, Cliff at Etretat by Monet. Kids are amazing.
Amazing. I want to go to art camp!
She had a blast at art camp and painted two other beautiful canvases!
I relate to everything that you said up there. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, Asmita! The other day she started a sentence with “I’m so proud of myself for…” and that made me so happy!
This is perhaps unrelated but I was reminded of your book too when I read this post–it has been so useful for trying to remind ourselves (the big and small ones in the house) that it is “trying” that counts, not perfection. So much of being proud of oneself is tied in with that, I feel. Somehow this post reminded me of that sentiment. I do hope someday you write more children’s books. My daughter and I love the Kunoichi one so much.
I think they all tie together Asmita. Thank you so much! I would love to do more children’s books, and you never know…;-)
Ha, is it blasphemy if I prefer K’s version to Monet’s? I think it’s really cool! (:
Haha! Not at all – I love her version more too! Thanks, Jana!
That is a beautiful painting! Must be something passed on in the genes,no? 😉
Thank you, Melissa! M is actually more artistic than I am, and I see a lot of his creative style in K :-).
I definitely relate to this! I say the same thing to my kids all the time.
Awesome! Parenting can be so tricky sometimes and I make a ton of mistakes, but this is one thing I’m pretty consistent about. 🙂 Thanks Katie!
Beautiful. And such a good reminder on encouraging self-approval and confidence in our children!
Thank you, Emi! It’s also a reminder for me :-).
Thank you for this post! My little girl asks that question all the time, I should start asking back 🙂
The panting is beautiful!
I’m glad you found this helpful, Annie! I love to hear that.:-)
You’re such a good mom, Sanae – intentional and wise. Giving K the tools she needs to develop into a confident young woman. You and M are doing a great job:)
I really hope they’re tools that she can use. She’s starting to roll her eyes because I ask her this so much, but she’s catching on! 🙂 Thanks, Lucinda!
Gorgeous! Her painting is just gorgeous!
Thanks, Liza Jane! I know that you’re an art teacher yourself, so it’s extra complimentary to read your comment :-)!
Hello Sanae,
it’s a while since i commented last but i read every line of furoku and here. I have to comment: Are you proud of you? Hej, i mean you, Sanae!
I love the scarve and cardi and Jeans (and a book, A BOOK!”!!!!) you produced and hope you look at your work and be proud!
Marit
My dear friend Marit, thank you so much for asking me :-). The answer is “Yes!” As you know from the Furoku and the behind-the-scenes, not everything has been a bed of roses, but each and every moment of creating the various projects have been SO worth it!
What a wonderful gift you are giving K, by imparting to her this valuable life lesson.
And I LOVE that painting!
Thanks Jenny! I try my best (with lots of mistakes along the way), and K makes great art, that’s for sure 🙂
ah, i love this post. the art and the sentiment both. good mama.
🙂 Thanks, lady! I’m pretty sure I learn more from her tho.