Every night I sit in the room with my little girls at bedtime. Together, we sing quiet songs, talk about our day, and share our dreams. I can’t help but think, every night about this time, that there is so much I have to tell them. So much I have to share. I’m afraid I’ll forget or time will get away from me before I’ve had the chance to share with them so much that they need to know. Soon they will be too old to care or just know it all anyway. These lessons will hold true.
I don’t want the teach them all about the harsh realities of life, the world will unfortunately take care of that for me. I don’t need to tell them that the world will always find a way to label them: too fat or too thin, too tall or too short. Nor do I want to share too many platitudes or set them up for unrealistic expectations. I want them to learn some of life’s simple truths. Since I don’t trust myself to remember everything I’ve decided to use this opportunity to write up what I think every little girl needs to know.
Lessons for my little ladies
Be strong, but remember you are human
Sometimes “being strong” is a bit overrated these days. Don’t get me wrong, everyone needs that reservoir of strength deep inside- of course that’s important. But equally important is being able, within that strength, to be vulnerable, to be weak, to need help. You will hurt. You will cry. You will need to be stronger than you ever thought you could be. But that strength can only come from a true understanding that we are never strong alone. Needing a little help is human and not something to be ashamed of. Then one day you will be able to help someone who needs it too. We are never strong all the time and that’s okay.
Share your dreams with someone.
I’m not naive enough to think that this person will always be me. Even though I hope in at least a small way this will always be true. As you get a little older you will have a best friend and the two of you will share all your hopes and dreams for the future together. Then it will be a husband and perhaps one day children of your own. But what you must always remember is to let someone it on your dreams. Sharing them with someone will give them wings. There is something quite special about finding someone who understands and supports your dreams.
Sometimes it is fun to dress up just because
. I remember just the other day, when you came down in your fluffiest, frilliest dress complete with sparkling shoes. I asked you,”What’s the big occasion?” You replied with a smile, “Just because.” And why not? Who says we need a reason to don our finest attire? If you want to celebrate the day just because, then that’s as good a reason as any. Don’t forget that one.
Because we are all children of God and God is king of the Earth,you are by all rights a true princess.
I know, you love princesses now but one day you will get older and believe that princesses are for babies- instead you will want an iPhone, the latest trends, and your own Facebook account instead of sparkling tiaras and fluffy dresses. I guess I’m okay with that. But no matter what, don’t ever forget that to God, you will always be a princess. Because of that, you should always treat yourself and everyone else with true dignity and respect.
Always do something
. Play a sport, join a club, or take a class. Do something beyond school or work. Participating in something will stretch your mind and keep you involved in the world around you. You will meet new people and discover all kinds of new things. Be a part of something great.
I will periodically come back to this list, change lessons and add things. Hopefully I will have a lifetime of opportunities watch you grow into your own people. I can’t wait to watch you learn and experience all of the wonderful things the world has to offer- but not just yet.
~Love,
Mom
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Awww, this is a lovely post and I agree with all your advice. ‘Be strong but not to strong’ is SO true! Lovely post. #TwinklyTuesday xx
I couldn’t agree more with number 5, it is so so important to have an outlet, even as a child. There is so much pressure on kids these days, and more seems to be adding each day. And teaching them that it is ok to ask for help, also very high on my list of importances!
If I could add one to the list, for my son as well as my girls, it would be, Not everyone in life is going to be your friend, and that is as true as an adult as it is as a child. Don’t surround yourself with people who like you just when you are trying to get them to like you, have true friends. The ones who will still be there when times are tough. But also ones who will cheer you up when you feel like crap, and that know you are there for them as much as they are for you.
xxx