A long time ago the Greeks talked about who sees beautiful things. Others since then have commented on who sees beauty in what they view. Then Shakespeare expressed a similar sentiment in “Love’s Labours Lost” (1588) when he said, “Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye.” Even Benjamin Franklin, in Poor Richard’s Almanack, wrote in 1741 that “Beauty, like supreme dominion, is but supported by opinion.” In 1742, another writer wrote that, “Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them” — but in 1878, Margaret Wolfe Hungerford wrote the most famous line: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

No matter where the saying comes from, it is true. So what does this have to do with parenting. I would say a lot.

As with most things, parents are their child’s first teacher. You are the one who teaches your child about reading, about how to care for the dog, about sharing toys with friends and siblings, about being polite and now you are learning one more lesson; you teach how to appreciate beauty.

We live in one of the most remarkable and beautiful places imaginable. Every day here is different. In order to help your child learn about beauty, someone (you) has to notice I and talk about it.

When was the last time you commented to your young child or even your older child about the beauty around her? Obviously, you must first notice the beauty yourself.

But once you have awakened your own senses to the beauty around you, you can then comment on it to your child.

Look at the clouds. They can be spectacular. Look at the rising sun and the pink and red glow that changes minute by minute. Have you checked out the snow on our mountains?

Every day it is different and every day it is beautiful. Even the changing trees whose leaves decorate the ground as they fall are worth noticing. Flocks of bird at this time of the year are absolutely amazing to watch. Watch the eagle beautifully fly high gracefully overhead just for you.

Look at the beauty in the picture she drew for you; let her know you see it so she can see it, too.

All of this is up to you to show and comment on to your child. Appreciating the beauty around you is learned. It brings a new dimension to your life when you have this ability. It is an ability that not everyone has.

While each person sees beauty in their own way, it begins by knowing that someone important to you recognizes beauty. You are that important persona to your child. You have the capability to help your child be open the beauty around her. So talk about what you see. Comment on beauty that you hear.

Most importantly comment to your child on her beauty; this is wonderful for her to hear.

Don’t we all want to feel beautiful?

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.