In recent times, I’ve noticed a surge of heartfelt advice pieces directed toward young daughters on my social media feeds. Well-meaning writers are eager to impart their life lessons, hoping their wisdom will benefit the next generation. While the intention is admirable, there often exists a significant gap between this advice and the realities that young women will face. For instance, one such article cautioned, “Don’t have sex until you’re ready for babies.” This perspective assumes a rigid future, disregarding the possibility that a young woman may choose to enjoy her sexuality without the immediate goal of motherhood.
I myself became a mother on my first attempt—twice! Had I only engaged in sex for procreation, I would have missed out on many joyous moments of intimacy, which are essential parts of the human experience. While it may be uncomfortable to consider my own daughter exploring her sexuality, I would never deprive her of such personal joy just to feel more at ease.
As parents, we want to protect our children, but it’s equally vital to prepare them for a world that can be harsh and judgmental. Here is a list of lessons I believe will serve our daughters better than the conventional wisdom often shared. Remember, experience is the ultimate teacher, and I hope you take this advice, and all others, with a grain of salt.
- Practice Kindness, but Know When to Stand Firm. You’ll learn to discern when to be polite and when to say, “No, I’d prefer not to volunteer for that.”
- Cherish Your Inner Circle. Surround yourself with trustworthy people—those you can confide in and lean on during tough times.
- Question Media Narratives. The constant messaging that equates beauty with worth is misleading. Understand that magazine images often do not reflect reality; your body is unique and should be celebrated as such.
- Engage in Safe and Enjoyable Sexual Experiences. Embrace your body, both individually and with a partner. Your pleasure matters, and you should stop if something doesn’t feel right.
- Assert Your Independence. If a male family member exhibits controlling behavior during social gatherings, remind them of your intelligence and strength. You know what is best for you.
- Find Your Grounding Force. Life can present challenges, so engage in activities that help you center yourself, whether that’s sports, art, or binge-watching your favorite shows. Remember to prioritize your mental health—therapy can be a great resource.
- Understand Your Autonomy. You owe nothing to anyone. While kindness is important, you should not feel obligated to fulfill others’ expectations or needs at the expense of your own happiness.
- Don’t Fear Judgment. I may express my opinions about your choices, but know that I will always love you unconditionally.
- Be Cautious with Online Advice. Much of it is influenced by outdated beliefs disguised as friendly advice. Trust your instincts and seek out credible resources.
- Your Smile Is Optional. Don’t feel pressured to always appear cheerful. If someone questions your demeanor, feel free to share your thoughts on the world’s problems—they’ll understand.
- Singlehood Is a Valid Choice. Society often pushes the narrative that happiness is found in partnerships, but being single can be fulfilling and liberating. Plus, you can enjoy all the blankets!
- I Will Support You Unconditionally. If you ever find yourself pregnant, I will be there for you, regardless of the path you choose.
In conclusion, I love you deeply, and while I remain anonymous to protect your privacy and my own sanity, I hope this advice resonates. We must challenge the notion that daughters should be delicate and passive until they fit into society’s expectations of motherhood. It’s time to embrace a more liberated understanding of womanhood. If you want more information about home insemination and pregnancy resources, check out this excellent article and visit Cryobaby for home insemination kits.