Being a parent is hard, there's no question about that. You have to decide on family values, how to raise your kid, how to feed your kid, etc. It's tough from the beginning, and there are always going to be people who question, judge, or disagree with your choices. I remember when my daughter was first born and I read a lot of parenting blogs that were one way or the other about parenting styles, and I wanted to make my own list of things I'd like to teach my daughter as she grows up. There are obviously many, many more than 50 things I want to teach my daughter, but these are some of the most important to me.
1. Don't let fear keep you from doing something you really want to do.
2. Never count yourself out. Just when you think you're not meant for something, or something isn't working out, you might find yourself surprised.
3. Makeup isn't guaranteed to make you beautiful, but being kind is.
4. Don't dumb yourself down for anyone.
5. Going new places is awesome, but so is the process of getting there.
6. Love isn't determined by gender.
7. Toys and colors also aren't determined by gender.
8. Disney is the best thing ever invented.
9. Reading and writing doesn't make you a "nerd," so if you like it, do it. And honestly? Being a nerd isn't a bad thing.
10. Sharing is caring, except when it comes to men.
11. Be faithful.
12. Your body is as important as your mind, so take care of it.
13. You can be in a relationship and still have "you time."
14. Don't ever bully.
15. Harry Potter is awesome.
16. Video games are awesome too, but repeat after me: They are not your life.
17. There's no such thing as too much glitter.
18. There's nothing wrong with being outdoorsy as a female.
19. If you like playing in dirt, play in dirt.
20. Don't be afraid to be the only person supporting what you believe in.
21. Speak your mind without reservations.
22. Do not shun people because they think differently than you do; keep an open mind.
23. Try a new food at least once a month.
24. Cooking is fun. Don't be scared to experiment with recipes.
25. No "zero days." Always do at least ONE thing a day that gets you closer to a goal or a dream.
26. High heels don't make you a woman.
27. Educate yourself on political news. Do not be someone who constantly complains about the government and doesn't even take the time to vote. Seriously, don't.
28. Music is important.
29. You don't have to decide what you want to do in high school. Sometimes it takes a little longer, and that's OK.
30. Find a hobby, like crafting, or a sport.
31. Winning isn't everything, but it's OK to celebrate a win, and to mourn a loss. Just don't be a horrible sport like your dad is, OK?
32. Take time to unwind.
33. It's possible to have fun with people sans alcohol and drugs. I promise.
34. Selfies are awesome, but don't forget to take pictures with people. Those will be some of your favorites.
35. Jimmy Fallon is amazing.
36. I will never be mad at you for telling me the truth.
37. Unplug. I don't know what technology will be like in 20 years, but I can tell you that unplugging for a day, a week, or even a month won't be the end of your life.
38. Buy cheap sunglasses, so if they get lost in a body of water, you won't kick yourself.
39. If you find something that isn't yours, return it to Lost and Found.
40. Dirt and mud and all that fun stuff -- it washes off. So play in it if you wish.
41. Marilyn Monroe was beautiful, and she wasn't a size 0.
42. Be healthy, but also enjoy your food.
43. On a first date, don't be late. I'm positive your date will care more about how it actually went conversationally than how you look. Look nice, but don't overdo it.
44. If you have curly hair like me, learn to style it before you turn 21.
45. Be active in your community.
46. Make people remember who you are.
47. When they remember who you are, make sure it's for good reasons.
48. Your father and I support you in any route you choose to take in life, even if we seem shocked or upset by it at first.
49. "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer" is bullsh*t. Discard enemies and remove them from your life. They aren't worth it.
50. You matter. No matter what anybody says, thinks, or feels, you matter.
Of course, these are just my opinions and things I want to teach my daughter for various reasons. What kinds of things do you make sure to teach your kids? I'm interested in hearing others' perspectives! Let's discuss in the comments!
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