(This article originally appeared on Meetothermums.com)
I worry a lot.
My latest ongoing worry is about how on earth you’re supposed to help your child grow into an amazing (but normal) human being and not screw it up.
Not so long ago my only real responsibilities were to make sure that my little pink bundle was safe, warm, clean and fed. As long as I did all those things I was doing pretty well. Now that little bundle will be turning 5 in a few months the responsibility of guiding her in the right direction is slightly overwhelming.
What if I forget something really important, and I remember too late when she’s 18 and heading off to Uni? What if she’s too shy to ever speak up for herself and goes through life not getting what she wants? And how am I supposed to keep her from turning into a Miley or Kardashian wannabe?
Ohmygod.
The temptation to take my family and go and live in a hippy commune is quite strong sometimes.
So as I have another 14 or so years to worry about helping my child develop into a well rounded grown up, here’s a list of values and traits I want to teach my little girl as she grows up…
Be Yourself
Don’t change your opinions, beliefs, or interests just to make people like you. Do what makes you happy. Happiness is important.
Speak up
Put your hand up in class when you know the answer, and even when you don’t. Have opinions and make sure they’re heard. Don’t be a pushover, it’s ok to say no.
Be kind
Treat other people nicely and always look out for your friends & family. Have compassion and help those in need.
People can be mean
Really mean. Don’t waste time on friends (or boys) who treat you badly. Chin up, move on and don’t let them know you’re upset.
Try your best
That’s all we will ever ask.
Don’t bottle things up
If something is troubling you, talk about it. To us, your friends, your teachers, anyone, just get it out in the open.
Work hard
Nothing in life is free. If you want something you will have to work your little socks off to get it. If you wait for it to come you, you could be waiting a long time.
You are beautiful
I don’t care what the so called ‘experts’ say about not telling your child they’re beautiful. Growing up thinking “even my own parents never told me I was beautiful” doesn’t bear thinking about, so always know that we think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world.
Don’t chase boys
The ones who are worth it don’t need chasing.
Be whatever you want to be
Whether it’s having a family, or a career or both, the decision is up to you. If you want to be a rocket scientist or a hair dresser it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s your choice.
So those are the 10 things I want my daughter to know. The list took a long time, and there will no doubt be many additions as my daughter grows. Maybe I’ll have to do another list next year!
What would you want to tell your children? Have I forgotten anything?!
Lovely post! I am a huge worrier too and was so overwhelmed by how my worrying went off the scale once I became a mum! Thanks for sharing #brilliantblogposts
Great list! I wrote almost the exact same blog last week, I guess the advice we give our daughters is universal! I felt bad afterwards that I didn’t include my sons but I think although the advice would be similar, certain things I would change for my boys! #brilliantblogpost
Great post, although I can guarantee a game of kiss chase with the boys will be on the cards when she’s school age 😉
You have summed it up beautifully, I am also of the opinion that a balanced child needs to know we can be trusted. They also need to learn early on to discern people’s intentions and avoid those who use them.xx
I worry a lot too. About my daughter and my sons. It’s a huge responsibility isn’t it, teaching them everything they need to know before they become adults…! This is a great list x
Lovely post and that picture of those little lips is just darling H x
A great post! I’ve got two daughters and I think your list just about covers everything that I want for them too. I know what you mean about it being scary to try and protect them and raise them right as they grow up. I’ve really noticed this since my eldest started school in September. Suddenly she is away from me for a lot more of the time than she’s with me and surrounded by influences that are out of my control! #BrillBlogPost
Thanks Cheryl, it’s so hard when they have their own little life that you have no involvement in isn’t it! I expect it’s only going to get worse as they get older!
Lovely post and a great list! I think we all wish that for our children. X
These are such wonderful things! I hope that I am able to share these with my little one when she is here.
Thanks Annabelle 🙂
Totally agree especially with telling her she’s beautiful/. So many people get het up with saying that telling a child they are beautiful takes away from how smart/creative/whatever else they are. But they way I see it is that she can be beautiful as well as all of those things too!
This is a fantastic list and I hope my girls know these too.
Thank you for linking up with #justanotherlinky
These are brilliant things for your daughter to know. Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx
A really lovely post. As a Mother of two daughters I feel as though I could have written this to my girls myself. Thanks so much for linking up with the #MadMidWeek linky. x