entropygirl, i'm not going to say either way, but she has made a career against type in the world of media. A lot of people would say some very disparaging remarks about her.
And honestly, in the face of that, she drew strength from what her Dad said. I firmly believe the principle remains the same. Do you look at your daughter and think she's ugly, or do you look at her and think she's the most beautiful thing in the world.
And treading carefully on thin on ice here, I had a school friend who, could be described as 'hitting every branch as she fell from the tree'. Teeth all over the place, crooked, puffy eyes, no figure. Very unfortunate teenage girl. Never had a bf at school, but I remember her as always being amazingly good at sport, one of the most popular girls or guys and no one ever said a bad word against her. Despite what she looked like, and she was the unluckiest girl in our school of 1500 pupils by some distance, I NEVER once heard anyone say she was ugly either to her face or behind it. I heard people say it about much prettier girls but never her.
Anyway, I know she got married to a really nice guy (good looking guy too - she did very well for herself) and moved to Australia a couple of years ago. I saw a couple of pictures of her - age 33. My goodness the difference! She still had all the imperfections, and she wasn't 'pretty', but she suited her age, looked attractive and is fairing a lot, lot better than other girls I went to school with. I can't really describe it. It was odd but strangely wonderful to see. It made me wonder if people can sometimes 'grow' into their face and that you can be more beautiful in life later in life compared to women who only had that for a decade of their life. We do put a lot of value on youth, but I don't think its necessarily as simple as that.
I know I'm probably sounding like a tired old cliche or someone making stuff up, or saying stuff to make you feel better but I'm not. If it wasn't betraying her privacy or my anonymity, I'd show you pictures in a heart beat to illustrate the point. You'll just have to accept my sincerity at face value. Its not even make up or clothing. Just age!
There is sooooo much you can teach your daughter and so much you can do to break against convention. Beauty does not make happiness or success. I know its hard to remember at times, but its so true.
Oh and keep her away from every womens/mens mag known to civilization. Unless shes studying them for media, when she can look at them in horror. They are the root cause of all major wars and famine (ok I maybe exaggerating a little, but I do feel they are hate filled and encourage insecurities).