“Give yourself grace” has become a more mainstream term over the past few years. Popping up everywhere from book covers to social media memes, the self-kindness mantra has taken off like wildfire.

There is great value in recognizing the grace God has given us, and the reminder to be kind to one’s self is admirable. But thanks to human nature “giving grace” can really be a form of simply making excuses.

In teaching your girl to be gentle with herself, remind her that God, in His all-powerful way, has given us all the grace we need. When we put our faith in Him and trust in the abilities He has given us, we can put our best foot forward and do our very best—no excuses!

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: