I saw a list entitled “20 Things a Mom Should Tell Her Son” on Facebook, which I promptly sent to my son. Fortunately he had them all down pat! I looked for a similar one for my daughter, and could only find one from a Dad to a Daughter. While it’s important for daughters to get advice that only Dads can give, Moms have some pretty good wisdom too. So here’s my list of things that I want to be sure that my daughter carries with her.
1. Be competitive. Play a sport, an instrument, whatever it takes to be a competitor. Marching Band, Color Guard groups, dance, or sports, coached correctly and without interference from over-involved parents and favoritism, will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. Not to mention give you grace, balance and physical fitness.
2. Today boys aren’t the only ones who set the tone for your relationships, in or out of bed. Have enough respect for yourself and for him to wait to become sexually active. If he is worth having in your life, he won’t mind. If he does mind, then all he wanted was sex, and not a relationship, and is being used really what you want?
3. Don’t let others fool you that relationships are 50/50. Sometimes they are, other times not. Sometimes you need more, sometimes less. And when marriage and kids come along, you will be doing more of the childcare, carting kids to activities and housecleaning. It may not be fair, but it is life. Use it as time to become your children’s supporter, cheerleader, teacher and MOTHER!
4. Save money when you’re young because you’re going to need it someday. Contrary to popular belief, government ISN’T here to take care of all your needs.
5. Teach your sons how to use to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Your future daughter in law will thank you.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader. Remember that as the mother of your children, you are responsible for teaching them to be moral, good, strong people.
7. Don’t ever be a bully, don’t stand by and let others be bullied, and don’t start fights. If someone picks on you or starts a fight, then don’t stand there and take it. Defend yourself. Adults won’t always be around to help you, so learn to help yourself.
8. Be educated. Be knowledgeable. Don’t take things at face value. Question the media. Do your own research. No one can take your intelligence from you, learn to use it.
9. Treat others kindly. You never know what they have been through.
10. Forever is a long time to live alone, but that doesn’t mean you settle for “Mr. Right-Now”. Alone may be lonely, but living with someone you don’t respect or love is even lonelier.
11. Take pride in your appearance, but don’t be vain.
