Raising Daughters: 8 Concepts I Teach My Girls
I'm not typically the woman handing out parenting advice, because honestly I find other topics way more interesting to discuss, HOWEVER, it was recently my daughter's 8th birthday and I couldn't help but reflect on the past 8 years of raising my two girls.
I'm going to share specific concepts I talk with them about and teach them, in an effort to raise up strong, women who love others and Jesus. I think it's really important that every parent has their specific vision for parenting.
I honestly believe when we're more intentional about how we parent, the years won't seem like they fly by as much, and even if they do, those years were spent building your kids up and there will be less regrets. Being a parent to a child, whether it's a biological child, adopted, or through influence is an honor. We must take the responsibility very seriously. So what lessons do you wish you would have learned as a child? What did you desire your parents to say to you? What opportunities did you not have that you wanted your kids to have? Unless we really think about these, it's super easy to just get caught up in life and let school and activities fill the hours, instead of intentional conversations and lessons. I'm not saying you have to spend long hours teaching at them, I'm all about Quality over Quantity, but I do think it's important to make sure your kids are learning more from you than they are on Youtube, from a coach/teacher, or someone else. You are the exact parent your child needs. You are equipped and capable of doing your best.
8 specific concepts I teach my girls
You look people in the eye
You decide who you spend time with-
You are unique
You are loved by God
You do what you say you're going to do
You are in charge of your body
You are kind to everyone
You don't always get what you want
Here's the biggest point of all. If you don't remember any one concept I covered, remember this. Your kids learn more from you when they're watching and listening to you from the sidelines. So, All these concepts I shared are very important for you to consider reflecting on yourself too! My husband and I make an effort not to expect anything from our children that we wouldn't do ourselves.
Some edits to consider in your life
Look your children and spouse in the eyes when you talk with them. Get eye level, bend down, or bring them up to you.
Consider who you're spending your time with. Even as adults, we need to make sure the friends and family we surround ourselves with are building us up and energizing us!
Reflect on what makes you unique? What are your likes and dislikes? What makes you stand out? (God made us all differently, so your answer can't be nothing)
Please know You are loved by God, whether or not you and him are in a good place right now, his love for you never ends.
It's okay to say No to things. To be able to do what you say you're going to do, there are going to be a lot of Yes's and a lot of No's. Be okay with both.
You are in charge of your body- we only get one body to get us through life, so let's take care of them. Drink your water, get good sleep, eat nutritious food, and move your body.
Kindness never goes out of style. Consider how kindness has felt and looked like in your life. It's a lot easier to be kind, when we've experienced it.
Since we don't always get what we want, it's important to not take life so seriously. I say this because I'm a serious person. When I'm able to find something ironic about a situation that disappointed me, then it makes it so much easier to deal with.
These are just some ideas on how you can make little edits, so your kids see you living out concepts you want them to learn.