Four Things to Teach Your Daughter

Parenting is one of the most amazing and most frustrating jobs you will ever have; actually, it’s the most amazing and frustrating job you will ever have. There is nothing that makes you worry and makes you as proud at the same time as watching your children grow up. I have two daughters and my husband and I spend every single moment of our time worrying about them. We look forward to our date nights and time away to be adults, but we worry nonstop. We want to make sure they are healthy, happy, and perfect forever. We never want them to experience the horrible things that happen in the world, but we can’t protect them from the news, from other people’s words, and from what they’ll learn from others. However, we can teach them everything we know and hope that they hear our words, see our example, and know that there is nothing that can stop them. Here are a few of the things we think our daughter’s should know; and everyone’s daughters should know.

Debate and Disagree: Never Debase

You will never, ever agree with everyone 100 percent of the time, and they will not agree with you 100 percent of the time either (this one is hard to teach since I’m obviously always right). When you disagree with something, speak your mind in a respectful manner, but understand that others may try and defend their position by debasing your values, gender, race, beliefs, whatever. Those people are insecure and uneducated; never, ever debase anyone else simply because you do not agree. It’s all about respect.

Always Set a Good Example

Someone is always watching you, which means you need to always set a good example. Not only will it make you a better person, it will make you feel like a better person. Never do anything that you wouldn’t want your own children to do; or that you wouldn’t want to have to explain to anyone else.

Use Your Power Wisely

In this day and age, the internet and social media give everyone the power to say whatever they want and have a million people hear them. Don’t use this power abusively. Do not write negative things about others, you can never take those words back. Do not debase, or speak negatively about those around you; it’s never attractive, no matter how much you dislike or disagree with another person.

Make Yourself Proud

There is nothing better you can do for yourself than to live your dreams. Make yourself proud. Be the kind of person you want your children to be grow up to be. Be the kind of person people want to meet. Be the kind of person who is admired, respected, and happy. Don’t worry about what others think; as long as you are happy, that’s all that matters. Love yourself, respect yourself, and admire yourself. And love your mom and dad forever because we rock; and I didn’t go through labor to have you annoyed at me forever, got it?