20 Things A Mother Should Teach Her Daughter

thanks to http://hayleewilkerson.blogspot.com

1. Family is forever

I want her to know that I will always love her father. Her family will always be here as a complete unit for her to depend upon. I will model the loving marriage I want her to have.

2. She is beautiful just the way she is

I will tell her this regularly to affirm her belief in it. I will let her know that her natural beauty is all the attractiveness she will ever need and that I love her just the way she is.

3. She is enough and capable of anything

I will reassure her regularly that she has all the intelligence, confidence and capability she needs to conquer anything she wants to do in life. She is more than enough!

4. How to say “no” and mean it
Over the years, her girlfriends and boyfriends are going to ask her to do things that aren’t good for her. I will teach her it is okay to say “no” and stick to it. Practice makes perfect!

5. What I believe is right and wrong

Where else is she going to get moral clarity? We must teach her what we believe is ethical and right so they have a measure to live by.

6. Humility

Yes, I want my daughter to be confident and independent, but I also want her to respect others and to treat everyone with dignity. I want her to give due regard to those in authority such as teachers, public servants and her parents!

7. How to eat to remain healthy

I want my daughter to have a healthy view of food. I don’t want her to overindulge, but I also don’t want her to be obsessed with dieting. 

8. Men should treat her with gentleness and respect

She will learn this by observing the way her father treats me. I will teach her that she should refuse to accept anything less.

9. Modesty

It is much more attractive to create a modest and authentic look. Young women that wear clothes that are revealing are crying out for attention. I will teach my daughter that there are boundaries to what is acceptable.

10. Relationships and family matter most in life

I will teach her that most of her joy and fulfillment in life will come from the relationships she builds. It is of the utmost importance that she chooses and acts wisely.

11. Not to drink too much and to stay away from drugs

Alcohol consumption in excess is dangerous and impairs judgement. Alcohol before she is an adult is especially harmful. 

12. Her father will always defend her

She needs to know that if someone wrongs her, that her father will defend her.  He will be her champion and hero. She will never need to look elsewhere to find protection.

13. How to manage her money

I will teach her that debt is dangerous and that thrift and frugality are wise. I will show her how to budget her money and ways to save. I will involve her so she can learn from an early age.

14. The value of honesty and integrity

I want my daughter to understand that you are only as good as your reputation. If you lie or cheat, word will spread and you will be discredited. It is always better to tell the truth.

15. Patience

Wait. Wait to have sex. Wait until you find the right man. Wait so you can finish college. Wait so you can travel. Be patient. There is no need to rush into things.

16. Keep things simple

You will never regret keeping your life simple. Complexity is burdensome. It is tiring. The simpler the solution, the more eloquent it is. Keep your life simple!

17. Put God first

God is your compass. He will show you the way. I will live so she knows what God means to me and that I have a relationship with Him. He will never fail her.

18. How to pray

Lift up all your concerns and thanksgiving to God! It will help you to always remain humble and grateful. You are blessed!

19. Be persistent

Perseverance is one of the key characteristics of success. Don’t give up too easily. Stick with things until you conquer them. Try and try again.

20.  Your father and mother will always, always, always love you!

I want her to know above all else that our love is unconditional.  We may not always like her behavior, but we will always love her. She needs to understand this separation