An article on Think.TV written by Lisa Bloom challenges our culture’s tendency to compliment young girls on their looks or clothes instead of their intelligence. Bloom, the author of Think:  Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World, states in the piece that asking a little girl what she is reading will do far more for her self-esteem than asking where she got her pretty dress.

Maya (right) is adorable-but, she can also read all by herself. She is five years old. (Source: http://www.Think.tv)

Although there is a mountain of truth in Bloom’s rationale, I think the focus should be on creating  a healthy balance between the two. Young girls should be complimented on the total package-being beautiful and smart. Too much of a good thing in any case could be detrimental.

To learn more about Lisa Bloom and "Think," click here. (Source: http://www.Amazon.com)