Advice for a Future Daughter

Okay, so I know this sounds totally corny, but hear me out...

As I write this, a third grade girl is sleeping in my guest room (AKA "Sadie's room"). She was a former student of mine that I have nannied over the summers, and she has been begging to have a slumber party at my apartment! So I agreed, and we did all the girly things...watched movies, popped popcorn, wore our PJ's, and chatted. It was fun - for her and for me! This got me thinking about the future and how much I would love to have a daughter someday. Technically I want one of each, but I feel like I would know "what to do" more with a girl than a boy. Hopefully my future hubby could handle all the "guy" things - sports, dirt, wrestling, farting/burping (haha), and all of that!

So as silly as this sounds, I have been thinking about some advice I would want to offer my daughter someday. Things I have learned along the way that I think would be beneficial for her. I share them with all of you because maybe some of these might be applicable to you as well! :)

Advice for my Daughter

*Think about what makes you happiest and pursue those; follow your passion.

*Never forget about your girlfriends. Boyfriends will come and go, but those girls will always be there for you. Even when you do settle down with a boy someday, you will need good girlfriends in your life!

*Live by yourself for at least a year. You will learn a lot, and it's not as scary as it seems!

*See if you can picture the guy you're dating as a good dad. Why? Because good dads are kind, giving, protective, patient, and compassionate - a lot of good qualities you'll want for your future kids and for yourself!

*Wait until you're engaged to move in with a guy. You know the whole, "Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?" thing? It's true (I would say 99% of the time...).

*When you do move in with a guy, expect the first year to be hard. It's an adjustment. He's a roommate, but probably a messier, less organized version than your female roommates were. But that's okay - ask for help, and be willing to compromise.

*You're never too old to sing and dance by yourself, in your car, or out in public. Have fun!!!

*Don't be in a rush to grow up. Things will happen for you when they are supposed to. (This is a hard one - I know!) Live in the moment and enjoy every second!

*Talk on the phone and have conversations that last for hours. I have learned a lot about my friends, family, and myself by doing so. (Be sure to remind me of this piece of advice when you are older and I am upset about the phone bill! Tell me to buy you the unlimited plan.)

*Learn how to cook. I never did, and I wish I would have.

*Go to college and be sure to live in the dorms. You will meet some of your best friends there. By the way - college is not a place to meet your husband, but where you will meet many of your bridesmaids!

*Keep in touch with at least one or two friends from each stage of life (grade school, high school, college, career). These people will help tell your life story, and great friendships never fade!

*Be sure to say "I love you," "I'm sorry," and "Thank you" on a regular basis.

*Take lots of pictures. You will want them to look back on!

*When you are sad, frustrated, or upset - cry! There is nothing wrong with it, and it makes you feel a whole lot better!

*Don't get caught up in petty fights. Let the little things roll off your back. However, if an important issue comes along, stand your ground. Voice your opinion in a strong yet calm manner.

*Help others. Hold the door for people. Smile and say "hello" to the people you pass. If someone asks for help, say "yes." It is better to do good than to do nothing.

*Before you have a baby, get a dog. You will learn the amount of patience, love, and work that is needed to care for something that seems "cute." You will also learn how to put something else and its needs ahead of your own.

*Put 10% of your paycheck into a savings account. Try not to touch it, but I understand that sometimes you need a little extra cash. If you take some out, put it back in when you can.

*Invest in a 401K or some other retirement savings program. You will not notice the amount out of your paycheck each month, but it will add up. And since you can't take it out, you won't be tempted to touch it! :)

*Even when you're married, keep some things solely in your name (a credit card, bank account, etc.). You will need this to keep your credit score on the high side. Even though you'll want your marriage to last forever (and I'll want it to last forever, too!), sometimes things happen and you'll need good credit to move on financially.

*Try everything you are exposed to once. If you don't like it, don't do it ever again. But you'll often regret the things you didn't do more than the things that you did.

*Be spiritual. This is not the same thing as being religious. Try out different places of worship if you want to. Believe in a higher power and understand that your life has meaning. You are on this Earth for a very important reason.

*Decorate your room, apartment, home (wherever you are living!) with pictures of those you love and those that love you. Surround yourself with good people.

*Never be afraid to love. Yes, there is a chance you'll get hurt, but love anyway. If you do get hurt (which you probably will), know that you'll be okay.

*Know that your mom wanted you and loved you long before you ever existed. :)

I am grateful for...
1.)My own mother, because she is a great one!
2.)My little "slumber party" tonight.
3.)My boyfriend - he is amazing and I am lucky to have him in my life! :)