Kate Winslet shares the one thing every mom should say to their daughters — now more than ever

As a young person—especially as a girl trying to find her place in the world while facing increased scrutiny about her body—receiving strong positive reinforcement is essential. This encouragement can prove crucial for developing a confident sense of self when navigating both childhood and adulthood. "Titanic" actress Kate Winslet believes that this kind of positivity should start with parents complimenting their children and doing it the right way. During an appearance on Elizabeth Day’s podcast "How to Fail" (@howtofailpod on Instagram), the star shared valuable advice on complimenting young girls.

"When we compliment our children, particularly girls, any mother who is listening to this, please remember this," Winslet began. Highlighting the importance of giving the right compliments to daughters, she expressed, "There is so much negativity that young girls are hearing from the world, not just because that’s how the world is, but also because, very sadly, many of them are on social media and are exposed to an unnecessary level of negativity every day of their lives. If we do not tell them that they are beautiful and that we are so proud of who they are, they might not hear it from anyone else. So you have to say it."

"And there’s also a way of saying to your child, 'I love you and you’re amazing.' There’s that, but there’s also, 'Do you know what I love? The way you see the world and the way you dress with so much pride. I just really admire that,'" "The Holiday" actress explained. "That will land on a teenage girl’s ear much better than 'You look lovely, darling.' That's in one ear and out the other because they expect us to say that and they've heard us say it a million times before. But saying, 'My god, you look so strong and vibrant. Never ever lose the pride you take in how you walk through the world. It's amazing.'"

The post's caption read, "'If we do not tell them that they are beautiful and that we are so proud of who they are, they might not hear it from anyone else.' Kate Winslet with a message to all parents on the latest episode of How to Fail." People took to the comments section of the post to appreciate the message shared by the actress. @playfulwonders wrote, "Oh goodness, I’ve never heard those things my whole life (entirely the opposite!), but I’ll be damned if my little girl (and my son too because that equally matters in such a judgemental world!) ever feels she’s not enough. I’m forever telling her how beautiful she is, how sparkly she shines, but also how strong she is, how brave, powerful, kind, funny, loving and magical. I do everything in my power to be body confident around her and so much so I’ve slowly started to love myself a little more, too."

@kimberyann_228 commented, "When I was a kid, I remember looking in the mirror and crying because I thought I was ugly. Like young, second grade, maybe. And my mom was in the room and all she said was stop it. And I really needed to hear kind, loving words. Kate Winslet, you’re a diamond in the rough." @glo_rosieposie remarked, "Not me literally crying because my mom has NEVER said any of these things to me." @cupid_installations_ shared, "I won’t stop telling my nieces how beautiful and loved they are. I teach my 7-year-old niece about the good stuff in life." 

You can follow How To Fail (@howtofailpod) on Instagram for more such content.