Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

Preschool through Kindergarten had a big party yesterday for Valentine's day. The theme was Tea Party and the parents were instructed to dress the kids in special outfits.

I dressed Emme up in her "La Tatuada" set with her silver Michael Kors sandals and her hair done up in a ponytail with red heart-tipped ribbon streamers. She added the final touch with a silver tiara adorned with purple gemstones.

She was a show-stopper when we walked into the preschool/preK classroom. The teachers oohed and ahhed at her outfit. The kids ran up to her and touched the sparkling crystal skull and crossbones. Emme stood regally and accepted the admiration graciously.

I stood beaming until Emme's best buddy Leah marched up to Emme and declared, "Well, my dress is more beautiful than yours. Look! It's got princesses!" She pointed to her golden Disney Store dress with the full skirt and sleeveless bodice. In the center of the dress was a lovely Disney Princess cameo.

Emme silently admired Leah's dress until Leah walked away distracted by the Valentine festivities. I worried about Emme because she relates so much to her clothing. It's a struggle or a triumph to pick out her clothes every day. Her mood depends on what she is wearing.

After school, I asked her, "So how was your day?"

Emme: It was great, mom! I had a great day!

Me: How did you feel when Leah told you her dress was more beautiful than yours?

Emme: That was okay because my dress was better. Hers had "armpits" (that's Emme's way of saying sleeveless. She dislikes sleeveless clothing).

Me: Well, I'm happy you felt good in your dress!

Emme: I did. But I told Leah that she hurt my feelings when she said that hers was more beautiful than mine.

Me: You did?

Emme: Yes. Leah told me that she had to say it because I looked so beautiful in my tiara and she didn't have one.

Me: And what did you say?

Emme: I said, "Leah, we are BOTH beautiful." And we hugged each other.