Someday, I will get married and decide to have a family. At which point, I may end up having a daughter. While this is something I would be very excited about, I would also be a bit worried (I am a worrier) for her. This world can be cruel to girls. After facing this world myself, and growing up successfully in it, I feel like I have quite a few things that I would want my future daughter to know someday. There are so many things that I would want to teach her in order to make sure that she is ready for the world ahead of her.
1. You are beautiful.
I know… this is one of those cliché phrases you expected to see on this list. But, this is a common feeling among girls, one that I have felt before. I wouldn’t want you to ever feel like you aren’t pretty enough or good enough for someone or something. A boy doesn’t like you? He doesn’t deserve you anyway. A girl makes fun of you at school? She’s either jealous or just a brat. Either way, she’s not worth your time or energy. It will be my sole mission to make sure you feel beautiful on the outside and the inside.
2. You can do anything.
I will never tell you what you can and can’t be. I grew up in a loving home where my family always supported my hopes and dreams. I hope that I can do that for you someday too. Whether you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a writer, or even a construction worker… I will support you every step of the way.
3. Confidence is key.
I hope that someday I can raise a confident young woman who can stand on her own. I will not raise you to depend on others for everything you want. If you wish to be happy, you need to be able to go out there and get that happiness for yourself. Don’t be afraid to walk into a room feeling like no one can stop you.
4. Set goals.
No matter what your plan is in life, set goals for yourself. When you have goals, you are more determined and you work harder. I’ve always told myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, and I want nothing less for you. You will be amazing at whatever you choose to do.
5. Don’t fall for the bad boys.
They’re just a waste of time. If you should ever feel compelled to fall for the bad boy, STOP. You know the one. Your mom and dad hate him. He comes with way too much baggage. He treats you like garbage. Yeah, that guy. Sweetie, you cannot fix him. It is not our job to fix the bad guys. Don’t waste your time or energy on it.
6. Give the good guy a chance.
The first time you meet, you’ll want to friend zone him. He’s sweet, he treats you well, and he appreciates your flaws just as much as your perfections. He’s everything you need him to be. For some reason, girls like us think we don’t deserve that. We can’t imagine having someone like that to love us every day. But, I’m here to tell you that you do deserve it. Give him a chance, because he could turn out to be everything you never knew you wanted. He will make you feel all of those things I said that I wish for you: beautiful, unstoppable, and confident.
7. It’s okay to love spending time with your mom.
Some days, I’d rather spend a rainy afternoon binge-watching Netflix with my mom than out with a bunch of friends. There’s nothing wrong with that! You don’t always have to be up for a crazy night out with your friends. It’s nothing to be ashamed of if you’d rather spend some time with your mom instead!
8. Being a popular kid in school is not important.
At the time, it may seem like something you need more than anything. If there’s anything you should know though, it’s that none of that will matter when you graduate. When you move on from high school and start your real life, it won’t matter if you sat at the cool table at lunch or not. What matters is that you had good friends that stood by your side.
9. Don’t be afraid to express yourself.
Read lots of books, fall in love with music, write poetry, write stories, dance ballet, paint pictures, or learn to knit… do whatever makes you happy. I will support in whatever you do and I will love watching you do it!
10. Find something you’re passionate about, and stick to it.
Don’t just find a job. Find your passion, and do that for a living. I want you to have nothing but happiness, and that all starts with what you for a living. I don’t want you to just find a job to do. Job’s don’t give you fulfillment. Find a career that you’re passionate about and spend the rest of your working life perfecting that passion and enjoying the work you do.
If I ever have a daughter, I will teach her all of this (and more.) I will love her with everything I have, and I will teach her to do the same.
