As little girls, we shower them with cuddles, warmth, and maybe even the occasional taste of breast milk if we’re lucky. Before they hit their first birthdays, we’re already making excuses for why that mushy food they’re offering isn’t quite our taste, and we’re constantly picking up tiny spoons that mysteriously end up on the floor. As they grow, head off to school, make friends, and push boundaries, we strive to share our wisdom gleaned from the trials of life—often learned through our own stumbles and mess-ups.
Though this isn’t an exhaustive list of the lessons I want to impart as my daughters transition into their tweens, here are 16 key insights I hope they will ponder as they evolve into young women:
- You don’t have to rely on packaged food from a drive-thru; with just a few ingredients and a pinch of motivation, you can whip up delicious meals from scratch. For instance, homemade whipped cream, needing just three ingredients and five minutes, is a treat worth the effort—especially when paired with warm, homemade chocolate chip pancakes. (And yes, sometimes a quick box of mac and cheese is all you need after a long day; just toss in some frozen peas to keep Grandmom smiling.)
- Those perpetually cheerful folks you see in ads are being compensated to appear that way. If you don’t truly need what they’re selling—and chances are, you don’t—you shouldn’t feel pressured to want or buy it.
- Whether I’m jamming to music, glued to a thrilling soccer match, or catching some Zs on a weekend morning, if you need to talk, your voice is my top priority. Everything else can wait—except if you wake me up just to say you’re hungry; then we might have a little issue.
- A stable career can help pay the bills, but if your job doesn’t spark joy, you owe it to yourself to pursue what you love.
- Your heart might lead you astray at times, but following it is always a journey worth taking.
- You’ll come across some truly unpleasant people, but remember: they’re the exception, not the rule. Don’t let the negativity of a few color your view of the many.
- The good in the world consistently outweighs the bad, no matter what media may suggest.
- Be a force for good—kindness matters. This means being nice to waitstaff, leaving hotel rooms tidy, and putting away your shopping cart at the grocery store. Seriously, it’s just 30 feet—don’t be lazy!
- Small gestures can have a big impact, and the world thrives on every single one of them.
- Your passion for reading is a treasure, but it’s perfectly fine to enjoy movie adaptations of your favorite stories (while still believing the book was better, of course).
- College will always be there, but your youth is fleeting. Please don’t run off with some guy to “find yourself”—I’ve invested too much in your upbringing for that cliché!
- You don’t need alcohol to be cool, interesting, or relaxed. Your personality stands out wonderfully all on its own.
- If others are gossiping about you, it just shows how much more intriguing you are than they are.
- Love sports just as much as any boy; there’s no need to wear the pink version of your favorite team’s gear.
- Remember, sports, science, math, engineering, action flicks, and even fart jokes aren’t just for boys—even if it seems that way sometimes.
- If you’re passionate about something, don’t hesitate to claim your spot at the table. Go for it, sweetheart!
In truth, there are probably hundreds of other insights I’d love to share with my daughters as they grow, but sometimes, even a dad’s best intentions can drown in the noise of life. They’ll soon realize that while it’s a strange time to be a young woman in America, with progress being made but challenges still present, we must cling to the belief that goodness prevails. This mantra becomes a guiding light as they embark on their tween journey.
For more on navigating the intricacies of parenthood and family life, check out our other posts, such as this one on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re curious about the ins and outs of pregnancy, Healthline provides excellent resources. And for those interested in practical options, Make a Mom has a comprehensive guide on at-home insemination kits.
Summary
As my daughters enter their tween years, I want to share valuable insights to guide them through life’s challenges and joys. From cooking to kindness and pursuing their passions, these lessons aim to empower them as they navigate their journey into young adulthood.