![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p7vQpXhNs4Q/SyJIN_TBgEI/AAAAAAAAB14/C1khhKsRYXI/s320/doveselfesteem.gif)
Having a background in marketing and advertising, I've seen my fair share of commercials and campaigns. Unfortunately, many companies resort to marketing ploys that exploit women, using scantily clad size 0-2 models to peddle everything from beer to cars to beauty products. It's no wonder that we ladies feel self-conscious if our teeth are a little crooked or if, heaven forbid, we wear a size 8 or larger. What happened to the days where voluptuous was considered sexy? Didn't Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate sex symbol, wear a size 10? Times have changed for the worse and, sadly, so has our self-image. Depression and low self-esteem have reached a national crisis level.
Low self-esteem is an issue that affects all women regardless of age or ethnicity. It can lead to introversion, a withdrawal from normal life and a waste of potential. But one company is setting out to make a difference and reverse this trend: Dove. You may have caught their Campaign for Real Beauty on TV, which uses "real" women rather than models in an effort to redefine beauty. Well, Dove's new "Thank You for Making a Difference" project is another step to encourage young women to defeat these damaging stereotypes, accept themselves as they are and live up to their full potential. See one of the shocking outreach videos below:
Dove recently released the Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, conducted with girls between 8 and 17 and commissioned by Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF), to provide additional information to help Dove better understand the issues, causes and outcomes of low-esteem -- as well as the most powerful change agents on a national and regional level. Findings from the report found that 70% of girls feel they do not measure up in some way including their looks, performance in school and relationships. Most disturbing is that girls with low self-esteem are engaging in harmful and destructive behavior that can leave a lasting imprint on their lives.What you may not know is that each time you purchase a Dove product, you are supporting the Self-Esteem Fund. Simply enter your Dove UPC here and select a charity. For every UPC code entered through December 15, Dove will donate $1 to inspiring self-esteem programs at a charity partner of your choice (Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Girls, Inc.). Buy a great product from a reliable brand and help daughters nationwide feel beautiful inside and out? It's truly win-win! Dove will also donate $1,000 to a national charity that supports self-esteem around the holidays on behalf of all bloggers who support this initiative. Awesome!
The Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) was established as an agent of change to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty. DSEF is a global project, which consists of a network of local country initiatives linked in strategy and direction by a global steering group. In each country, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund supports a specific charitable organization to help foster self-esteem. In the U.S., it supports the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Girls Scouts of the USA to help build confidence in girls 8-17 with after-school programs, self-esteem building events and educational resources.The DSEF is committed to help girls build positive self-esteem and a healthy body image, with a goal of reaching 5 million girls globally with self-esteem programming by 2010. It has already reached over 3.5 million young women since 2005.
But wait, there's more...
WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a Dove Self-Esteem Prize Pack including two "True You!" workbooks for mothers and daughters to complete together, a plush terry cloth spa robe and two Dove products! Here's what you've gotta do:
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me what you've done to educate or raise your or your child's self-esteem. I can't wait to read your inspiring stories! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!
1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)
2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)
3.) Tell me your favorite Dove product. (1 entry)
4.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)
5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)
Giveaway will end on December 27, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: I was invited to post about this topic courtesy of Victoria at Rocket XL. I was not compensated in any way for this post.
171 comments:
What i do to raise my daughters self esteem is teach her that no matter what she is beautiful, and that she doesn't have to wear nice clothes or makeup when she grows up to be able to look good. She sees me taking care of myself, working out and being healthy to feel good inside out, and i think she takes example on the things that i do, since she tries to follow what i do as well. Being as young as she is, 4 years old, she is very confident and sure of herself, which i think is great :)
Nury77 at live dot ca
I follow and subscribe to your blog.
Nury77 at live dot ca
I follow you on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/daer0n/status/6591699565
Nury77 at live dot ca
My favorite product from Dove is their shampoo and body lotion :)
Nury77 at live dot ca
I have your holiday button on my blog's sidebar:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com
Nury77 at live dot ca
I try to remind my daughter that beautiful is a reflection of a person's spirit, not their outward appearance.
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I subscribe by email.
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I follow you on twitter and tweeted here http://twitter.com/janetmom2maya/status/6593160864
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
Fave Dove product is the volume hair conditioner. (my four year old calls it "air conditioner" hehehe)
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I have your button at www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I have your holiday button at www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I try to teach my daughter to find the beauty and grace in everything, including herself. I also teach her it's okay to make mistakes and screw up sometimes.
Thanks for the chance! This is an awesome program!
Follow in google reader
twitter follower and tweeted!!
I like the Dove clinical protection deoderant!!
Thanks!!
entered lysinet
entered bei bambini
entered relish
entered ycmt
entered pedialyte
entered dove
My daughter is 5 years old and a little over a year ago, she got ready for a birthday party and she says “Am I beautiful?” and I said “of course on the inside and the out.” Of course she was a little confused so we had the talk about being beautiful isn’t just about being pretty; it is also about how kind, compassionate, nice, and caring you are. Her smile was amazing and she was all proud “I’m beautiful on the inside and out” she says and she still remembers that because we still tell each other all the time.
I'm an email subscriber - footejennifer at hotmail.com
I love every Dove product I have tried, but my favorite is the Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash. - footejennifer at hotmail.com
I make sure to always commend for a job well done, or even a job attempted to be well done. I pay as much attention as I possibly can to let them know they are important. Thanks for the contest! codisweepstakes2 (at) gmail.com
We always try to look for something GOOD the kids have done every day and praise them for it! Sometimes it's hard on bad days, but there's always something! Also, we tell them they can do whatever they set their mind to!
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
I have let my daughter color her hair and experiment with her hair and her looks and let her know that no matter what she looks good and as long as she feels good about herself then she does not need to worry about what other people think or say
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
I am an email subscriber
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
twitter follower @shaeffermom and tweeted http://twitter.com/shaeffermom/status/6695781816
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
My favorite Dove product is the exfoliating body wash.
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
I have your holiday button
http://northcarolinamomma.blogspot.com/
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
I entered the Bei Bambini giveaway
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
I entered the Relish meal planning giveaway
gerrie.shaeffer@yahoo.com
let them know everyone is different and those perfect images are indeed not perfect....making them realize its whats from the heart
Tell them they can not control everything.
I try to teach my daughter to follow her dreams and always be true to herself. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
ONe of the biggest things I have done with my daughters is to teach them to be real. To have good character and to be true with themselves and with other people. I think our true self bears witness with ourselves whether we are being right or not. If you are nice to others they will be nice to you, If you are honest, others will be honest with you.(not always but atleast you know you have done right.)
The inward shows through more than the outward. If you are beautiful on the outside and you have a stinky personality, all that beauty is worth nothing. I believe when you are a geniune person it shines through and that alone will raise your self esteem because you know you have done right by others.
I see that character already shining through in them and it makes a mother proud.
mommiesgotfivechildren (at) hot mail (dot) com
I am following your blog.
http://twitter.com/mommieschildren
Following you on twitter also.
http://twitter.com/mommieschildren/status/6732134922
I twittered this contest.
http://mommiesgotfivechildren.blogspot.com/2009/12/contests-ending-december-27th-2009.html
I added your Holiday button and posted about this giveaway on my blog.
Thanks for this giveaway.
Thank you for the giveaway.
I tell my children how beautiful they are inside and out daily, I praise them all the time for a job well done, I talk to them about bullying and how it makes them feel or how it would make others feel if they were to do that to others.
Even though my daughter is only 2, I try to validate her needs. I tell her I love her and that she is beautiful. I let her know when she is doing good.
cln1812@gmail.com
email subscriber to your blog:
cln1812@gmail.com
I follow on twitter as cln1812 & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/cln1812/status/6754812177
I like the Dove Ulimate Go Fresh Cool Essentials solid deodorant.
cln1812@gmail.com
entered Putumayo Kids giveaway
cln1812@gmail.com
I have given them lots of compliments and praise and spoken with them about how I was shy and had low self-esteem as a child. I also have made it light-hearted by telling them to put their shyness in their pocket when necessary, so that they can feel a strong sense of self-esteem.
I've also spent a good deal of time explaining to them the problems with Barbie (modeling the unrealistic perfect body) so that they are consciously aware of false body image goals. Thanks!
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
I entered the Putumayo giveaway.
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
I follow your blog (Laureen Marston-Hindi).
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
I entered the Relish! giveaway.
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
I entered the YouCanMakeThis giveaway.
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
I entered the PreHistin giveaway.
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
entered youcanmake this giveaway
cln1812@gmail.com
entered relish! giveaway
cln1812@gmail.com
I work in detention centers with teenage 'bad' girls. This is part of a program done through Girl Scouts. The program involves teaching girls how and why they should value themselves, and tries to get at the root of their choices and behaviors to try to keep them out of jail, but also to raise their self-esteem. It's amazing to me how many of these girls start the program truly not caring what happens to them. Happily, I can say that we do at least make a dent in the mountain of crap that rains down on these girls. Some of them do emerge from the program and the experience with a new sense of self-worth and recognition of their own talents and abilities. It's a small step, but it's at least one step in the right direction.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I love Dove deodorant.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
I entered the PreHistin giveaway! Thanks!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
always do what they think is right not what others want you to do . mverno@roadrunner.com
nothing better than dove bathsoap
My husband and I shoer her with love and show her how to stand up for herself. That has made her a confident child.
eddiem11@ca.rr.com
email subscriber
eddiem11@ca.rr.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/sohamolina/status/6788779693
eddiem11@ca.rr.com
I love Dove Moisturizing Bodywash.
eddiem11@ca.rr.com
I always told my boys that they could do or be anything that they wanted and to go after what they wanted in life. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I am an email subscriber. cardshark42(at)htomail(dot)com
My favorite Dove product is the Go Fresh Body Mist-Energizing spray. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
entered putumayo
entered prehistin
entered smartknits!
I have taught that it doesn't matter how you look as long as you are true to yourself and love yourself. Outer beauty is fleeting it's the inner beauty that counts.
I love Dove soap!
I beleive my children have great self esteem because we have always told them they can do anything and be anything, and we read to them as much as we could so they are all bright.
Cassie
cjm92995@yahoo.com
Hi, I have put my two younger kids in more activities like basketball and piano depending on what they like. I know this is giving them more self esteem. Thanks
I tell them when they accomplish something they should be proud of themselves. I tell them they are special and that so is eveyone else. We also do volunteer work together and this gives them reasons to feel good about themselves.
I am an active listener. I hear what my daughter says, paraphrase it for her and validate her beliefs by agreeing with her and telling her she's right. This raises her self esteem.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just signed up for your email.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow you via GFC.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like the Dove deodorant but all their products are great.
entered pedialyte giveaway
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com
entered smartknitkids
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com
entered prehistin
cln1812@gmail(dot)com
I make my girl point out something she loves about herself in every picture that is taken of her. It makes her see all the great things about herself and love everything.
I have a very close and open relationship with all of my girls so they always come to me to share everything.
I have always stressed how important and beautiful each of my girls are. They know that what matters most is staying true to themselves. That they are gorgeous just as they are and do not need to lose weight,wear more makeup,do drugs or give in to peer pressure in order to be accepted.
They know that they are each unique in the way that God made them.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
My favorite Dove product is the Volume THerapy Shampoo and Conditioner.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com.
I teach my children that loving yourself is the present you can give to yourself and that when you do this, other people will see you shine!
I have taught my daughter to be herself in all situations and to stretch her comfort zone. Doing things that you wouldn't otherwise do raises your self-esteem.
entered MyClyns
entered cheap cookie cutters
entered Pedia-Lax
I just try to remind her at every opportunity how special she is...that different isn't bad.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I don't have children but every chance I get I try to encourage my niece. I tell her how beautiful she is and constantly give her uplifting messages to let her know how terrific she is and that she can do anything she sets her mind to.
At the age of 4 my daughter is already experiencing peer pressure from her friends at preschool. They already ostracize other little girls based on what they wear and how their hair is done. One little girl in particular was giving my daughter a hard time because she dresses differently than her, and never wears a braid in her hair (silly, I know...). So I sat my 4 year old down and explained to her that it doesn't matter what other people think about you, what you wear, how you look, etc. I made sure to let her know that everyone is different, looks different, likes to wear different clothes, etc. I made sure that she knew she is beautiful and unique, and she doesn't have to try to fit a mold that another kid wants her to fit. She no longer gets upset in the morning about what she is going to wear that day, or how I'm going to do her hair. She's accepted that she should just be confident in herself and her own tastes. macd82 at gmail dot com
I dont have a child yet, but I always tell my nieces and nephews that they are beautiful on the inside and out and how special they are to me.
I follow your blog via google.
My favorite Dove product is the Supreme Cream Oil Ultra Rich Velvet Body Wash.
I told them to be theirselves no matter what anyone says about them.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
I encourage my son to be himself,try new things&really support him in anything he chooses!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
practice flash cards.thanks
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
E-Mail Subscriber.
ktgonyea at gmail.com
I try to encourage my child and support him.
Following you thru google friend connect ... skyskyaa11[at]gmail.com
Dove Soap
I have encouraged my grils to do waht the want and both choose sports. I am at all their games cheering them on and voluntering! They love that!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
i tell my babies i love them and there the most beautiful things in the world
pugsly77@mail.com
love dove shampoo
pugsly77@mail.com
subscribe by email
pugsly77@mail.com
I have have used positive reinforcement in the form of kudos as she has progressed in school. Whenever she does well on an assignment in school, I am sure to let her know how pleased I am. She has been improving in her work on a fairly continual basis. kneecree at gmail dot com
I praise the little small details that show good, morally right choices like choosing NOT to make fun of someone or giving to another in need, etc.
I always tell my daughter she can be anything she wants and do anything she wants. We let her try new activities and encourage her in all she does. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I receive your feed in google reader. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I am teaching my grand-daughter that it's what inside that really counts. I tell her that she is a very important person to her grandfather and myself and her parents.
Goodie Goodie Gumdrops email subscriber
My favorite Dove product is the bar soap
Entered the PreHistin giveaway
I encourage my nephew's self-esteem by letting him work out challenges on his own and praising him when he does.
We were lucky as the children were growing up to live in a university town with a multitude of cultural offerings. We were able to expose them and immerse them in experiences relating to all aspects of their ethnic backgrounds. :)
doot65[at]comcast{dot}net
I absolutely adore Dove shower soap!
doot65[at]comcast{dot}net
I'm an email subscriber
doot65[at]comcast{dot}net
I encourage positive thinking intime@myself.com
I tell my kids that they can be whatever they want to be and give them compliments. I try not to discourage them but look on the positive side of things.
kngmckellar@hotmail.com
http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/7092906659
follow on twitter and tweeted
kngmckellar@hotmail.com
My favorite Dove product is Dove Beauty Bar soap.
kngmckellar@hotmail.com
http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/
have your blog button
kngmckellar@hotmail.com
I tell my children that not just looking inward but looking to help others will help fulfill you and this is what makes a person have a great caring heart and an inner glow which is beautiful. I do stress healthy eating and exercise and taking care of yourself,so all those together help them feel good. We also stress that we love them, no matter what, and they all have unique talents which we encourage them to express. We tell them-we are proud of you.
spencer1953 at gmail dot com carol
I follow-carol lewis.
I follow and tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/7093507569
I give my children compliments and tell them they can be whatever the want to be.
I love the regular Dove soap and have used it for years! I love the smell and the way it makes my skin so soft!
Well, my daughter was born into a family with an overweight Mom, grandparetns, aunts/uncles, etc. I have taught her to love herself for who she is. I taught her most importantly to treat everyone with respect because God created us each differently. She has an Aunt who is mentally handicapp so my daughter who is now 18 doesn't make fun of overweight people, doesn't giggle at the mentally handicapp. I have gave her compliments at every turn, reminding her she's beautful, she's smart. I daughter did not inherit my weight problems which I am happy to report I am successful working on. She did inherit my caring nature. I could not be prouder of her.
I encouraged my daughter to follow her own interests and not just pick what her friends want to do. As such she was often the only girl in the group in the summer classes where you build your own camera and develop your pictures, the model rocket class, the robotics club, and even the karate class. Today she is studying to be an electrical engineer and if you could hear the excitement in her voice as she explains lab projects you would agree - she is exactly where she wants to be.
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Love the Dove shampoo
i try to compliment my daughters at least 3 times a day..with a you look nice,your hair is cool that way or another nice comment :)
following your blog as klp1965
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/7097391328
i love the cream oil intensive hand cream :)
I always tell my family how beautiful I think each one of them is. I comment them on their best qualities, and never say anything negative.
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
I teach thar no matter what anybody else says they are beautifuL!
We ask them what they are passionate about and what inspires them.
edgenemmers@gmail.com
Dove soap is my absolute favorite. It is great for my sensitive skin.And it smells nice too.
I have always prided myself on supporting my kids in everything they do and showing it by communicating it to them and by being at everything that they are doing and always telling them how proud I am of them.
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
google friend follower-packerfantimmy
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
twitter follower & tweeted... http://twitter.com/packerfantimmy/status/7101447786
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I love ALL the Dove Body washes the best.
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I talk with my daughter all of the time and let her know that it's important to believe in herself. I tell her that it is also important to choose friends who are kind and caring. I let her know that when kids are mean or picking on others that it's not because they are better than the kids that they are picking on, it's because they feel bad about their self.
I love Dove shampoos and conditioners.
We recognize the good that she does by complimenting her and speaking positively to her and about her. . .open positive commmunication is key, including listening to her and respecting her opinion. We also challenge her by letting her take chances and increasing her responsibilities and involvement in various activities. . .developing her leadership skills helps increase her self esteem.
I follow your blog via google friend connect
Following on twitter as purplepassion12 and Tweeted
http://twitter.com/purplepassion12/status/7102852042
I like the Dove go fresh Refresh body wash
My mom always wrote letters to us on New Years giving us confidence about what we would accomplish in the coming year!
I've always told my daughters, true beauty comes from within their hearts. I do like the Dove products, so this would be nice to win. Thanks for having the giveaway!
I remind my daughter that outside beauty is not the most important. Inside beauty is and your inside beauty shine through postive actions towards others. thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
i follow thanks eaglesforjack@gmail.com
From my daughter's earliest age I have made it a point to praise her and encourage her in everthing she does. In my case I always set a goal for myself to achieve. garrettsambo@aol.com
Thinking about the good things I've done helps to lift and build my self-esteem.
I make sure to keep on open dialogue with my daughter. I tell her about the importance of having self respect. Also my husband plays an active role in her life to ensure she develops self esteem. I encourage them to do activities by themselves.
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I follow your blog
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
One of my favorites is the Dove Shampoo.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
Self esteem just may come with self control. I pray my children will not fall victim to drugs and alcohol.
I use praise and encouragement.
I love the Dove Frizz Control Therapy Shampoo!
I try to promote indepedence and their ability to think and do for themselves with encouragement for their efforts
I always teach my children the importance of learning and hard work :)
I give them positive reinforcement.
donna444444@yahoo.com
follower
donna444444@yahoo.com
I like the moisturizong body wash.
donna444444@yahoo.com
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