Let’s be real: I’m not what you’d call “traditionally girly.” Some days, I think my only connection to femininity is my physical form. I still possess lip gloss from the days of yore, and the last time I donned a dress was at a work holiday gathering, which was the sole nice piece I had since I was five months pregnant.
And you know what? I’m completely okay with it. I’ve got more jeans than skirts and magazines like Cosmo might as well be written in a foreign language. I’ve embraced my tomboy ways, but now I have a daughter. And there are nights when I find myself wide awake, pondering how to navigate raising a girl who adores everything pink and sparkly. Here’s a rundown of just ten reasons I may not excel at this whole parenting gig.
- Braiding is Beyond Me
I sport a short pixie cut because, honestly, hair styling isn’t my forte. If I were to attempt braiding my daughter’s hair, the result would look less like a cute style and more like she just survived a tornado. - Bugs Freak Me Out
I have an irrational fear of insects—flies, spiders, even ladybugs send me into a frenzy. If it has more than four legs or takes to the skies, I panic and call in reinforcements. I don’t want to instill that fear in my daughter, but overcoming it seems utterly impossible. - Maxi Pads are a Mystery
Removing those adhesive wings from my underwear feels like a Herculean task. Seriously, what kind of super glue are they using? - Makeup? What’s That?
If it isn’t lip gloss or mascara, I’m lost. I own an arsenal of brushes and powders, but I only get around to using them a couple of times a year, and I’m sure I’d do more harm than good if my daughter asked for makeup advice—she’d probably leave with mascara in her eye. - Shaving Skills? Limited
At 31, my leg shaving technique often results in a bloodbath. There has to be a secret that I missed along the way. - Eyebrow Dilemmas
My eyebrows usually alternate between looking like two caterpillars in love or having vanished completely. - Heels? No Thanks
Every time I slip on heels, it’s like watching a newborn deer try to walk. Wobbling is my specialty, and I can only imagine the embarrassment I’d bring to my daughter’s life. - Heavy Conversations Make Me Nervous
Topics like body image, menstruation, and relationships are not my favorites. I can barely chat with friends about these subjects, let alone prepare to discuss them with my little girl. When I first heard about sex ed, I confused “pubic hair” with “public hair”—talk about unprepared! - Disney Princesses Give Me Pause
While they are beloved icons, I question whether they are truly good role models. My thoughts on Cinderella’s glass slipper are mixed—how could I walk in those without a pedicure? The Prince would likely run away! - Glitter is the Enemy
Can we come together as moms to find a way to eliminate glitter from existence? It’s a menace that sticks to everything.
You can find more parenting insights in our other blog posts, including one about the importance of understanding terms and conditions around home insemination. If you’re curious about fertility journeys, check out Make a Mom for expert advice. For those exploring IVF options, Johns Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
Summary
Raising a daughter can be daunting, especially for those who don’t fit the traditional feminine mold. From struggling with hair styling and makeup to navigating tricky conversations about puberty and relationships, it’s a challenge that requires growth and a willingness to learn. However, acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them and finding common ground with your daughter.