Things I Want My Daughter to Know

When my daughter was born, a multitude of thoughts went through my head. What kind of person would she be? What things would she like to do? Who was she going to be?

In her first year, I got little glimpses of her personality. Especially the cheekiness and the stubbornness.

As I watched her grow, I knew it was my job to make sure she grew into the amazing person I knew she could be.

She may be only two years old now, but there are things I want her to grow up knowing.

Children have this innocence – their minds have not yet been corrupted from the pressures and expectations of society.

I want to shield her from as much of the bad things in the world that I can. But that can’t happen forever.

There are so many things she needs to know.

Things I want my daughter to know

No matter what you do I will always love you

Don’t ever think because you’ve made a mistake or you think that I’ll be disappointed in something you’ve done, that I will stop loving you. That will never happen. Ever!

Be the person you want to be

Don’t change because you think it’s what everyone else expects, or who everyone wants you to be. Everyone is unique, be who you want to be. There is no one else like you in the world. Never lose sight of who you are. You are amazing.

Don’t do something just because everyone else is

It’s easy to think you have to do something because everyone else is. You don’t. You have a choice. If it feels wrong, don’t do it.

Don’t take crap from anyone

Stand up for yourself. Don’t let them talk you down or belittle you.

Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior

There will be times in life when people will think they are better than you and will try and tear you down any way they can. What they think doesn’t matter.

Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong

It can be hard to find your place in the world, but don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve to be there.

Step away from people that make you feel terrible or worthless

They’re not worth it! Real friends wouldn’t make you feel that way.

I love you

Have I said that already? Well, I love you. You are amazing!

You are worth more

Never underestimate your worth. Don’t ever think you’re not worth anything. To me, you are the world.

Never settle for anything

If you want something – go for it!

Do the things that make you happy or you enjoy

Don’t save things for special moments, every moment is special. If it brings a smile to your face or makes you feel good about yourself, it’s worth it.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone

Everyone has their own path, their own battles and their own life to live. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Don’t let comparing yourself to others rob yourself of happiness and the definition of who you are.

Go easy on yourself

Don’t beat yourself up because you make a mistake. Learn from it, and turn it into something positive.

Don’t believe anything nasty anyone says about you

Some people are just being nasty. And it can be easier to believe the horrible things people say than the compliments you are given. Sometimes people can’t help putting others down because it makes them feel better. It’s not about you.

What you believe, is what you become

Focus on your strengths. If you believe you can, you will succeed.

Life is not easy

But most things worth doing aren’t. You get out of it what you put in.

Don’t be afraid to say, “no”

You are allowed to. You can’t do and be everything to everyone. Don’t feel guilty about it. Sometimes it is necessary.

There will always be people who try to judge you

Judge you, challenge you and try to break you down. Ignore them. Most of the time they are just trying to make themselves feel better.

No matter how old you are, I will never stop being your mum

If you need me, I’ll be there. Anytime. Even if it’s the middle of the night.

If I haven’t told you enough, you are my world and never forget how much I love you

I still think of you as my baby, and I probably always will. I know I won’t always be there to protect you like I’d like to.

If I could shield you from all the terrible things that could happen to you, I would.

Unfortunately, the world isn’t always the nice place it should be. But if I can give you the strength and wisdom to get you through life when I’m not there, then I’ve done my job.

I have no doubt that when the time comes you will be ready to take on the world.

What things would you like your daughter to know?