Things I Want To Teach My Daughter Before She Is Grown!

There are things I wish my parents had taught me about the ways of the world, and there are mistakes I hope my children don't have to make to discover them. I cannot hope that my daughter will learn from my mistakes. I just want to instill in her certain things before she goes off into this world on her own, so she never ever feels alone and afraid. I love you more than life itself, sweetheart!

A few things I want my baby girl to know before she is grown:

1. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body. You are absolutely gorgeous; you just have to see that.
2. When it comes to clothes, shorter and lower are not better (and will never be allowed in this house).
3. Be confident in yourself and your ability to achieve anything you set your mind to and are willing to work hard for.
4. Maintain your body and stay fit, but don't think that being a Size 0, having big boobs, and the perfect butt is mandatory to attract the right man who will think you're perfect just the way you are.
5. Be sweet, kind, and respectful to others (even if it hurts sometimes), especially your elders. 
6. Always use "ma'am," "sir," "Mr.," and "Mrs." It absolutely gains respect.
7. The benefit of the doubt is sometimes the best gift we can give to others.
8. There will always be "mean girls," but that doesn't mean we should find a tower and Rapunzel ourselves away from the world. School is hard; just remember to keep you head high. It will get easier.
9. Your Daddy has loved you better and longer than any boy ever will. So, just accept that he will scrutinize and try to terrify any boy who tries to come between that.
10. Your brother will teach you how boys should treat you. 
11. Boys will never understand us as much as they think they do. Give them a break about it.
12. The world needs your point of view. Your voice will never be too small to matter. 
13. Your body is stronger and more capable of far more than you can imagine. 
14. Optimism is not a bad thing. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps you going.
15. It's better to be yourself than a cookie cutter image of what the world says you should be. You are your own individual person, and unique is always more attractive and interesting.
16. Cook, decorate, clean, and organize only because you love to, not because someone tells you you're meant to or that it's your place.
17. Enjoy music. Sing along.
18. "Stop and smell the roses" isn't just a phrase. Make sure you do it. Enjoy and explore nature. It's one of the only truly pure things we have in this world.
19. Dance whenever you get the chance. Don't worry about who's looking. 
20. Don't take life too seriously. Laugh at yourself.
21. Smiling, no matter how bad or down you feel, will always make you feel better.
22. You'll never be too old for me to rock you or hold you.
23. The world needs your story and all you have to offer. 
24. Never be afraid to tell me something. Nothing you do or say will ever make me want to stop spending time with you.
25. No prayer request is ever too small, too silly, or too embarrassing to share. 
26. Don't ever be afraid to ask a question, no matter how silly it may seem.
27. Washing your face every night is the best kind of beauty routine. 
28. Wear make-up only for yourself, not anyone else. Boys really don't care. And remember, less is more.
29. Sunscreen, child - you got my genes.
30. Appreciate being young and the innocence of childhood. Don't grow up too fast. It's not that great, and it comes soon enough anyway. 
31. Choose a God-fearing, hard-working man with morals and values (your Daddy is a good example) who loves you for who you are and doesn't expect you to change any aspect of yourself for him. Make sure he treats his Mama well because that's how he will eventually treat you.
32. Your smile really can open doors in life.
33. Blue eyes really do melt hearts.
34. Words can build bridges between people. 
35. Home is not where we live but who we love.
36. I will never be perfect, and I will definitely make mistakes, but always know that I will never stop trying to be the best example for you and the best mother to you that I can possibly be. 
37. I don't expect you to be perfect either. We all make mistakes. Just make sure to learn from them and try not to make the same ones over and over again.
38. I will probably hurt your feelings at some point. I apologize in advance.
39. You taught me how to feel beautiful. 
40. Staying up late to read a good book is never a waste of time. Do it whenever you get the chance.
41. You taught me what's important in life. 
42. The best way to never worry about anyone gossiping about you is to never gossip about anybody else. If you know you're living right, you feel good about yourself, and you're doing the right thing, it doesn't matter what anyone else says.
43. You taught me and your father how important we are to each other. 
44. Good girls are not boring. Attracting the right attention is not a bad thing. 
45. Boys love smart girls.
46. Being articulate, as well as a good writer, will land you a job a whole lot easier than your looks or any degree.
47. Don't be afraid to get dirty. It's good for you.
48. Love animals. Have pets. They will never judge you or love you less for anything you do. We could learn from them.
49. Always make your health a priority. You better outlive me and your Daddy.
50. Saying sorry first is a sign of strength, not a weakness.
51. I am always on your side; especially when it doesn't feel like it. 
52. Your body is yours. A wonderful gift to be shared with your husband, who will appreciate it. I promise it's worth the wait. 
53. Sex for the first time will require a beautiful sense of humor and a partner who loves you and is in it for life.
54. Don't be afraid to talk to me about your body or sex. I was there once and went through it all too.
55. There's not much you can tell me that will surprise me. I was young once too.
56. The movies lie. Passion isn't a contorted exercise on a marble staircase, it's cooking together, laughing through the tears and stress, and still cuddling together in bed at the end of a long, hard day.
57. Marriage is an act of courage, commitment, and sacrifice. It's also the most fun you'll ever have with your best friend.
58. Always fight fair. But, don't ever be afraid to fight for what you stand for and what you believe in.
59. You will probably be a tomboy because I'm not really a bows and dolls kind of person. And, I hate pink.
60. A good cry can be great therapy. Don't be afraid to do it. 
61. I will always be good for a hug and/or a shoulder to cry on.
62. Cliques are inevitable from the time you are in elementary school until the time you're in the workplace. 
63. A strong man is never threatened by a strong woman. Never change and never settle for less than you deserve.
64. Go big, even if it means failing big. Especially then.
65. Be the friend you wish you had.
66. Travel. Any chance you get, travel. 
67. You can't control what others think about you. Let it go.
68. A first kiss should be toasted, treasured, and savored. 
69. I will be your best friend. But, I will be your mother more. 
70. I will always stand up for you, no matter what the situation or who it's against.
71. You and your brother will always be mine and your father's top priority.
72. Stop for sunsets.
73. Prince Charming isn't a fairy tale, he's a myth. A man will never be perfect; if he loves you for your faults, love him for his.
74. Husbands need a wife. Not another mom.
75. Take pleasure in taking care of your husband. Show him that he is loved each and every moment you get together. Never stop doing the little things for him.
76. Childbirth isn't really as bad as everyone says. It's worth any bit of pain felt to hold a child that you and the one you love created.
77. Love waits. Love fights for what belongs to it. 
78. Patience is never wasted.
79. You don't have to "lay out" for hours or lay in a tanning bed to be beautiful. Having good skin that doesn't look like a leather coat is much more attractive.
80. Don't just Facebook or Instagram your life. Live it. Real life is always better than online.
81. Daddy will be the one helping you with your math homework. I can write a mean essay though. 
82. Don't be afraid of a broken heart. Don't let it stop you from taking that leap of faith.
83. The only thing holding you back from accomplishing your goals and dreams and making a difference in this world will be yourself. 
84. Girlfriends are the best kind of free therapy there is. Make sure you find a good one.
85. A good friend loves at all times, is always honest, and is always supportive. Period. 
86. I'm more interested in your growth than your happiness. 
87. I will move mountains when you hurt. And I will always come when you call. 
88. I will always come pick you up, no matter where you are.
89. Trust your gut. Your head and your heart can lead you astray. 
90. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, don't do it, wear it, or say it. 
91. Relationships and marriage aren't easy. If you want easy, don't do it. 
92. Unconditional love is the best gift you could ever give someone.
93. Challenge yourself. Strive to be your best self. Never just skate by and do what is expected of you. Exceed everyone's expectations every chance you get.
94. Do what makes you proud of yourself. We will always be proud of you.
95. Never be afraid of change or to try something new.
96. Be honest. If you say you're going to do something, hold yourself accountable. You are only as good as your word.
97. No matter what, you can always come home.
98. We, as a family, need each other. And I will always need you in my life.
99. Always appreciate those who are important to you and all you have. Make sure to show that appreciation.
100. You will love again. 
101. The truth is always better than a lie, no matter how much it hurts. 
102. The truth will always find its way to the light. 
103. Never let someone tell you your worth or make you feel less than what you are.
104. Love shouldn't hurt.
105. Joke and laugh whenever you get the chance. It's good for you. 
106. Don't accuse. Ask questions but never start with blame.
107. Know how to change your own oil and how to put on a spare tire. But, don't be afraid to call your Daddy if you break down.
108. Talk about your thoughts and feelings. Don't bottle them up inside.
109. Give your husband all your heart. It's worth the fear of letting go.
110. Forgive ...and forget. Put it behind you and don't pick it back up again because bitterness only hurts you, no one else.
111. Don't ever go to bed angry. Each day is a new start.
112. Be strong for yourself, your loved ones, and those in need, but don't feel weak because you have needs and feelings yourself.
113. Cling to the one you love during the hard times. Don't let them tear you apart.
114. Always finish what you start.
115. Think before you speak. Make sure you say what you mean and that your words mean something.
116. Sometimes the best thing to do is hold your tongue and not say anything at all. 
117. Protect the ones you love. Stand by them. Speak kindly of your loved ones to others, and show respect to them in public. Keep any arguments behind closed doors.
118. Never let fear hold you back.
119. Never stop kissing your husband, holding his hand, or saying, "I love you."
120. Let go of the little things and commit to working through the big ones with the one you love.
121. Listen when others talk. You might learn something.
122. Laugh at his jokes. Even if they're not that funny.
123. Listen to his stories. Even if you've heard them before.
124. Learn to cook. I will teach you as much as I can. It can be so much fun, and it makes people happier than you would ever believe to have a home-cooked meal.
125. Do for others as much as you can. 
126. Don't judge. You never know what someone else is going through.
127. Even if you don't agree with them, accept and explore other cultures and ways of thinking.
128. Never stop learning and striving to learn.
129. Make your marriage and your husband your priority, above all else.
130. Work to have a better life. Don't let work be your life.
131. Never stop trying to better yourself.
132. Say, "I love you" every time you leave someone or get off the phone with someone. It may be the last time you ever see them or talk to them.
133. Nothing could ever make me love you less.
134. You're the most brave when you're the most scared, yet keep going anyway.
135. Womanhood is a gift. Don't ever let anyone tell you different, hold you back, or put you down because of it.
136. I will never be tired of being your mother.
137. You will always be my baby girl, my first born, and the greatest gift from God.