11 Things to Teach Your Daughter

Moms give the best advice. If you have a daughter, you’ll have a lot of ground to cover over time. Here are 11 of our favorite pieces of advice and inspiring words.

#1: Always be kind to others. There is no telling who will need it at any moment. Spread it like wildfire, but never let anyone mistake your kindness for weakness.

#2: You are stronger than you’ll ever know. You’ll have your heart broken, and you’ll become stronger. You’ll fail an exam, and you’ll become smarter. You’ll have children of your own, and you’ll be amazed at what your body created. You will constantly and consistently surprise yourself with your own strength. It’s a beautiful thing.

#3: You are more than a number on the scale. As your mother, I can already tell you that you will have your up and down days, but never give into negative body image. It’s not worth the energy. You are beautiful.

#4: It’s okay to be silly. Sunshine will beam through your smile and laughter, and people will love you for it.

#5: I won’t always agree with your decisions. And you won’t always agree with mine. But I am your mother, and it is my obligation and duty to express my concerns and experience. I don’t expect you to always “listen to your mother,” but I do hope that you will value my opinion. I’ll always value yours.

#6: You will have your heart broken. But guess what? You will recover. You will mend. You will move on. You will find happiness.

#7: Shopping is a temporary bliss. I know better than anyone what a new pair of shoes (and wardrobe) can do for your mood when things aren’t going your way. Just remember that shopping therapy is temporary – so hang onto that extra cash and invest when you can!

#8: You will make mistakes. Own them, learn from them, and try your best not to redo them. Mistakes are what make us human, after all.

#9: Embrace your differences. They are what makes you, YOU. Unique is interesting, so let your freak flag fly.

#10: Friends will come and go. You’ll meet wonderful women and men, and will find (and keep!) dear friends and confidants. You’ll also meet people who will be jealous of you and may try to tear you down. Don’t let them. When you feel like the world is against you, just remember that I will always be your best friend.

#11: I will love you unconditionally, no matter what. Period.