It's back to school time which, for a lot of kids, sadly means back to being bullied. And the only one thing worse than being bullied yourself is watching your children being bullied.
Just ask spoken word poet and dad-of-three Khari Touré, who was inspired to pen the song "Love Yourself" after witnessing his daughters' struggle with body image issues.
Both older daughters, 15 year-old Ashé and six year-old Nia were taunted over their weight, appearance and hair texture. Their self-esteem took a metaphorical beating. And Touré couldn't just stand by and watch helplessly as his girls had their confidence knocked.
"Seeing both my (older) daughters bullied, it made me want to write a song of affirmation for children that they could repeat to themselves," said Touré. "It was a love letter not only to my daughters, but to every child who's been bullied, made fun of, and made to feel less-than, unworthy or unattractive."
"I'm beautiful. I'm worthy. And those mean words can't hurt me. I'm priceless. I'm smart. And I love myself, I'm focused on my health," goes the rap.
"Realize there will be people who criticize - bullies who talk about your weight, color, and size. But beauty comes in every size, color, and shape and your beauty can't be measured with that measuring tape." Amen.
But "Love Yourself" is much more than a personal mantra; it is an anthem for all kids who are routinely the victims of bullying: children with disabilities such as autism, ADHD and down syndrome, who are statistically most likely to be targets.
No one is immune to bullying. Frankly, bullies will always exist. There will always be mean girls and boys who seek out and hone in on some little thing and use it to torment you. But if you feel OK with yourself, then no one can tear you down so easily.
"I want all children to keep this - throughout when they're young - so they can grow up really internalizing the words and believing in their own beauty and brilliance," said Touré. "It's so hard trying to instill confidence in children when they've been bullied by other children, but I'm going to do it."
So crank it up in the car if/when you drive your kids to school. Save this ditty to your playlist, stat, because this is one rap song your kids - and let's face it, you too (because bullies aren't confined to childhood) - need to hear again and again.
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