My dear little Ava, even though you’ve only been in this world for six short years, I can already sense the world’s attempts to rush you through your childhood. With that in mind, here are my heartfelt commitments to you.
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I promise to nurture your love for your body. You will never hear me mention words like “diet” or “fattening.” I won’t complain about my appearance, and when you notice the smile lines around my eyes, I’ll tell you they’re from all the joy we’ve shared. I’ll encourage you to embrace your health, because that is what truly matters.
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I will never tell you that you can’t pursue something simply because you’re a girl. I’m thrilled to see you sticking with soccer, even when you’re the only girl on the field. Your determination to chase the ball and guard your position fills me with pride. I promise to keep that fierce spirit alive in you.
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I will never allow you to be unkind to others. I refuse to hear that you’ve intentionally excluded someone or acted in a hurtful manner. The world can be harsh, especially for girls, and if you ever make another child feel less than, I will ensure it doesn’t happen again.
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I will protect you from the unrealistic standards set by advertising for as long as I can. While I know I can’t shield you forever, I will do my best to keep you away from magazines that suggest you need to change to be beautiful. The media can be brutal, and I want you to be ready to deflect those hurtful messages when the time comes.
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I will always encourage you to express yourself boldly. That doesn’t mean being disrespectful, but I want your voice to be strong and assertive. Your ideas, no matter how wild, deserve to be shared with confidence and enthusiasm.
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I will never suggest that you need to wear makeup to enhance your beauty. I hope you’ll always see your natural self as stunning, and if you ever feel the urge to wear lipstick, it won’t be because I influenced you.
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I will do my best to let you remain a little girl for as long as possible. I remember feeling frustrated when you tried to mimic dance moves from the older kids. Growing up too quickly is a common pressure, and I want you to cherish your time to play and dream. Embrace your imagination and let it flourish!
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I promise to listen to you with an open heart. Your dreams, thoughts, and views on life matter to me. I find great joy in seeing the world through your eyes. Even if your ideas are unconventional, I’m excited for the conversations and debates we’ll have over the years.
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I promise my love for you is unconditional. Even during those teenage years when you might express your frustration with me, I’ll remember that it’s just a part of growing up. I might not stay quiet during those tough moments, but I’ll always wrap you in my arms and forgive you.
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And just in case you missed it, I love you to infinity and beyond. Being your mom is a role I cherish deeply, and I’m putting these commitments in writing so you can hold me accountable.
All my love,
Mom
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Summary:
In this heartfelt piece, a mother shares ten promises to her daughter, Ava, emphasizing body positivity, encouragement to pursue her passions, kindness, and the importance of staying true to one’s self while navigating the challenges of growing up. Through open communication and unconditional love, she aims to nurture her daughter’s spirit and confidence as she faces the world.