Self-confidence and self-love begin at an early age. If we are taught about these skills as kids, it becomes easier to navigate the hatred in the world when we grow up. If we stop internalising hatred and start questioning it since our early days, it becomes easier to differentiate between people who are there to criticise and those who are there to stay. This small lesson is reiterated by a baby girl who stands up to criticism and embraces self-love. Read on to learn more.
I like my hair: Leila's fitting reply to hatred
In a viral TikTok video, a small girl named Leila Danai can be seen narrating her fitting reply to a boy in her preschool who said that he didn't like her hair. Responding to the boy, Leila confidently said, "I like it." When the boy further said that he didn't like her hair and that it was crazy, Leila reiterated her love for her hair and said, "My mommy made it. And if you don’t like it, I’ll keep it for myself."
Leila is a 4 years old preeschoolar. Being one of the only few Black kids in the school, Leila's mother Mildred Munjanganja, always made sure that she taught Leila what to say if someone commented on her hair. And Leila did pay attention.
In the video, we can also hear the mother beaming with pride as she says, "Oh, baby! I’m so proud of you..You stood up for yourself. That’s what matters. What matters is that you like it — it’s your hair."
Watch the video here
Don't internalise the opinions of others: Leila's mother
Talking to TODAY.com, Munjanganja said that self-confidence begins at home. She added, "I’m trying to teach her that you don’t have to internalize the opinions of others. And I’m ecstatic that our conversations are really sinking in."
She further adds that Leila is emotionally mature because Munjanganja always talks to her like she is an adult with opinions and choices. "I talk to her as if I would to an adult — we just talk about age appropriate things. My goal is to prepare her to navigate the world around her because I can't always be there to protect her."
Why Leila is inspiring
Through a few words, Leila taught us a huge lesson- to love ourselves no matter what. We all have insecurities regarding our looks, careers, the money we earn or the background we belong to. And these insecurities are a result of believing and internalising what others say. Is it not true that we take negative feedback more seriously than positive ones?
Yes, negative feedbacks are necessary but we need to differentiate between constructive feedback and casual hatred and prejudice. We should never let others decide what looks good on us- be it clothes, hair or paycheck. Having your own opinion and standing by it is crucial to state that you are an individual with a backbone. Don't just blindly believe in what others say about you. Leila belongs to a community that is often discriminated against because of the history of slavery. But that didn't deter her spirit to stand up for herself. She is an inspiration not only for kids but for adults too. It is by changing the way we raise our kids that we can lead society towards a better future.
I hope after reading this news, many more Leilas will stand up for their choices rather than give in to people who only know how to downplay others. It is they who lack a backbone because why else will they bend as per the societal prejudices without giving it a thought?
Views expressed are the author's own
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