As my daughter transitions into her tween years, there are some valuable insights I’d like her to carry with her as she grows into a young adult. Here are 16 key ideas worth pondering:
- Home Cooking is Empowering: You don’t have to rely on pre-packaged meals or fast food. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can whip up delicious dishes from scratch—like homemade whipped cream with just three ingredients! Of course, sometimes a quick box of mac and cheese is the best choice, especially with some peas mixed in for good measure.
- Advertising Isn’t Reality: Those overly cheerful people in ads are paid to smile. If you don’t truly need what they’re selling—and trust me, you probably don’t—there’s no harm in ignoring it.
- Open Communication is Key: Whether I’m busy, tired, or distracted, your thoughts and feelings are important to me. If you need to talk, I’m all ears—just maybe not if you wake me up to say you’re hungry!
- Pursue Joy in Your Work: A stable job is great, but if it doesn’t spark joy, don’t hesitate to change your path to follow what makes you happy.
- Trust Your Heart: While your heart might sometimes lead you off course, those journeys are often the most rewarding.
- People Can Surprise You: You’ll meet some unpleasant individuals along the way, but remember, they are not the norm. Don’t let a few bad apples cloud your judgment of others.
- Focus on the Good: Despite what you might hear on the news, there’s far more kindness and positivity in the world than negativity.
- Be Kind: Always strive to make the world a little easier for others. Simple acts, like treating your waiter well or returning your grocery cart, go a long way.
- Little Moments Matter: The small acts of kindness and love are what keep the world turning, so never underestimate their power.
- Books vs. Movies: Your passion for reading will enrich your life, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the movie adaptations of your favorite books—just remember that the book is often better!
- Youth is Fleeting: College will always be an option, but your childhood is a unique time. Don’t rush into the adult world too soon; enjoy this phase of life.
- You Don’t Need Alcohol: Being ‘cool’ or relaxed doesn’t require alcohol. Your natural personality is more than enough.
- Ignore the Gossip: If others are talking about you, it’s a sign that you’re interesting—so let them chat.
- Love Sports: You can be just as passionate about sports as anyone else, regardless of gender. Wear your favorite team’s gear proudly, no need for it to be pink!
- Interests Aren’t Gendered: Sports, science, and even comic books are for everyone. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back from enjoying what you love.
- Claim Your Space: If you’re passionate about something, don’t be afraid to assert yourself and carve out your place at the table.
In reality, there are countless lessons I want to share with my daughters as they navigate their journey into adulthood. They’ll soon find that while there are challenges, there are also many opportunities for growth and joy. As we embrace these lessons, we hold onto the belief that goodness often outweighs the negativity we see around us.
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Summary
This article outlines 16 important lessons for a tween daughter to consider as she grows and navigates the complexities of adolescence and adulthood. From the power of home cooking to the importance of kindness and self-advocacy, these insights aim to empower her to embrace her individuality and pursue a fulfilling life.