Being a girl mom is a dream come true for me. I’ve always dreamed of singing Disney princess songs together, shopping for cute little dresses, and all the mama & me experiences we’ll get to have. This last year I’ve realized having a daughter is so much more than all of that. She’s a tiny little human and one day she’ll be a woman.
I’ve been reflecting on how much she’s taught me in her first year with us, and how much I want for her in the future. Here are some things I’ve learned, realized, or experienced in my first year raising a daughter.
You’re More Than Pretty
- You’re smart
- You’re eager & determined
- You’re sweet
- You’re playful
- You’re funny
I noticed this habit of always telling her she’s so pretty. She is. But she is so much more than that and I want her to know her worth goes WAY beyond looks. There are countless attributes a person can possess that others will admire, looks is only one of them.
I want to make it a habit of saying “you’re so smart!”, “you’re so funny”, “you’re so strong”…and yes, I will keep telling her she is pretty on the outside AND on the inside.
You Know What You Want
- When you’re hungry, you let us know
- When you don’t feel well, you let us know
- When you are uncomfortable, you let us know
I don’t want her to ever lose that notion to let us (or anyone) know how she is feeling. Feelings are extremely important. If you’re ever uncomfortable, sad, happy, excited…it’s healthy to communicate that.
If you don’t want to smile, don’t. If you are hungry, eat. I want her to live her life for her, and go for her dreams.
You LOVE Your Daddy
- He’s your first love
- He’s the first person you call by name! (dada!)
Growing up I was obsessed with my dad. There was no cooler person on Earth. My baby is only one but we can already tell she’s a daddy’s girl and it’s beyond adorable. I’ve always heard a father-daughter relationship is so important for a girl’s self confidence and for the health of future relationships. Seeing how close they are already are is solidifying that for me from an outsider’s perspective.
I will do anything I can to nurture and encourage the bond they’ve built.
What I Want for You
- I want you to be happy
- I want you to be strong
- I want you to know you are loved
- I want you to live your life for YOU
Women are people pleasers. We can’t help it, it’s in our nature to want to take care of everything and everyone. What I want the absolute most for my daughter, is for her to live her life for her. Do what makes her happy. Live where she wants to live. Marry who she wants to marry…or not get married if that’s not what she wants!
What I want the absolute most for my daughter, is for her to live her life for her.
I think daughters, especially the eldest, get trapped in this unspoken notion they have to do everything right and please their parents. Be an example. I want to do everything I can to make sure my daughter doesn’t feel that way; she does not owe us, or anyone, anything. She is her own person, with her own dreams, even at one year old.
I couldn’t be more proud of the person she already is, and who she will be.
My, my, my, my. You have beautifully encapsulated what many mothers took years to learn, some still being unaware of what really matters. Kaia chose her parents well. Two people who acknowledge her strengths and sweetness, and encourage her to discover the BEST in herself. You are only successful in this journey with her, as you focus and encourage the best in yourselves. Congratulations. Well-said!