Knowing the societal pressure my kids will face as they grow to see fault in themselves, I regularly tell them how perfect their bodies are. If I'm helping them take off their shoes, for example, I'll say "oh my goodness, did you know this foot is completely perfect?" And when I kiss them I'll exclaim "wow look at that nose, do you know what it is? " and they'll smile and say "perfect". I'm hoping they'll have this idea so firmly instilled that the magazine images of perfect and the creams, ointments and tablets designed to prey on our faults will wash over them.

Recently when I do this my daughter has started responding in kind. And I've been finding it really hard to hear. She'll point at my chin and tell me it's perfect and I want to respond "no, it's too big for my face". Or my nose and I'm so tempted to point out that the pores are too big. I could go on (and on and on).

But you know what, if I can't believe I am perfect then how can I expect my kids to? And I am perfect. I couldn't be more perfect at being me if I tried. This doesn't mean I shouldn't aim to eat well and exercise, but for health not beauty.

So I want to remind you that you are also perfect. You are someone's reason to smile in the morning. You are unapologetically you. I hope you can look in the mirror today and appreciate your perfection.