(Just in case you're curious, the rosy cheeks and chalked hair was result of a "Mommy Makeover" at home after her bday plans were rained out. I don't typically let her out of the house looking like a 14 year old. haha!)
My sweet baby girl turned nine yesterday. NINE! I know someday that will seem so little, but right now it's seeming way too grown up for this sentimental mama. I remember 4th grade so vividly... like a little switch that goes off and all the girl drama and boy crushes and tweendom comes crashing down. You may remember the Letter To My Teenage Daughters that I wrote a couple years ago. Well, I decided it needed a prequel! My girls and I spend lots of times talking about these same exact things (and some of them will overlap from the original) but I wanted to give her a little something to keep in her memory box. You know, for those days when she needs some Mommy inspiration but doesn't feel like talking to me about it face to face. Because you KNOW that's gonna happen.
TEN THINGS I WANT TO TELL MY
PRE-TEEN DAUGHTER
1. You are amazing. I can't tell you this enough. I know you are getting to an age where girls start to doubt themselves. I know kids can be mean and may even try to put you down. But remember that no one can make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them. Hold your head high and be proud of who you are.
2. Remember what it means to be beautiful. God blessed you with a pretty face, but that's just the surface of the beauty inside you. The most beautiful women in the world aren't the ones covered in makeup and airbrushed for magazines. They are the ones who treat the world with kindness, who set out to make it a better place for all of us. Mother Theresa, Anne Frank, Florence Nightengale, Eleanor Roosevelt to name a few. If you don't know who these women are, google them. And then, set out to be your own kind of beautiful.
3. Be a good friend. Nothing good will ever come from talking behind your friend's back. Nor will being friends with someone who does the same to you. Pick your friends wisely and surround yourself with people who make good choices and make you feel good about you. Those are the type of friends you'll have for a lifetime.
4. Whatever your passion, follow it with all your heart. Whether it's sports or dance or music or art. Invest the time to get better and grow. I will support you. Keep your body and mind healthy by working hard... it is the only way to get better. Having a talent is too great a gift to waste.
5. "Things" do not define you. There may come a time when you start noticing the expensive brands that girls wear and the fancy cars their parents drive. You may be frustrated when we don't agree to buy you the latest iPhone like "all" the kids in your class. But I promise you, these things won't make you a better person. We will never, ever try to buy your love. And someday, you will realize that is a good thing.
6. Don't be in a rush to grow up. I know, I know... grownup-hood seems so appealing with all its freedom. Even teenagers with their cars and makeup and boyfriends... it all seems so glamorous. But I promise you that these days, the days you are living right this very moment, are the most magical. So enjoy being a kid... you have plenty of time for the other things. Lemonade stands, blanket forts, backyard s'mores, and riding bikes with friends... that's the good stuff. And for goodness sake, play outside!
7. Value your family. I'm not expecting you and your siblings to get along all the time, but they will be the most important friends you will ever have. Classmates will move away, boys will break your heart... but your brothers and sisters will always be there. And they love you so so much. Oh, and always respect your parents. No matter what you say someday, I promise you we did not/have not/will not ruin your life for telling you no. I'm not saying we are perfect, I can't promise to never embarrass you, and I can guarantee there will be times that we say "no" when other parents say "yes." But we do these things because we love you and think you're the most precious thing on earth.
8. Being smart is cool. I knew from the time you were two years old that God blessed you with an incredible mind. So use it. Work hard in school, get good grades, and don't ever pretend to be dumber than you really are. I promise you can be intelligent and cool at the same time. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise.
9. You are more capable than you ever imagined. So dream big, believe in yourself, and set out to accomplish your goals. You can be anything in the world that you really want to be. I will always believe in you.
10. Go out into the world and do well, but most importantly... do good. Your future awaits baby girl, and I have no doubt that it will be amazing!
Love, Mommy
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