20 things to tell your daughter

Despite its ability to distract you from real life, meddle with your affairs and waste your time, Facebook is a great way to share and spread ideas. This week someone shared a motivational poster entitled “20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son”. I liked it, but I have daughters. So I decided to write my own version. I know it should be written from the perspective of a wise man, but I figured the daughter’s perspective is equally valuable.




I had a good Dad. He taught me a lot about what a young woman should be. He also told me when I had lost too much weight, when I had gained a little, and when I was wearing too much makeup or shoes that appeared to be hand-me-downs from a street walker. One of the things I remember him saying that made me laugh was when he saw an older woman wearing far too much makeup, with dyed burgundy hair and a flouncy, feathery coat. He said, “For Heaven’s sake. Promise me you will grow old gracefully. Some women seem to be fighting it, every step of the way.”



So here you go Daddies, new and old.



“20 Things a Father Should Tell His Daughter.”



1-Explore your creativity. Never pass up the opportunity to sing, dance, write or play a musical instrument. Draw and paint. Cut, glue and shape. You will never know where your gifts lie if you do not try.



2-Be honest with your feelings. If a boy is wasting his time with you let him down gently, but do let him down. He will get over it. But toying with his affections just because it builds your ego is just cruel.



3-Never turn someone down when he asks you to dance. You have no idea how long he struggled with mustering up the courage to ask you. And after all, it’s only a dance. See #2 to avoid leading him on.



4-Learn to take care of yourself. Get a job as soon as you can and save money so you will never be totally dependent on someone else.



5-Help out around the house, learn to cook and clean, but also learn to change your own oil, fill up your tires and maybe even change a flat.



6-Be a lady. Don’t use foul language unless you really, really hurt yourself. Pass gas discreetly and blow your nose in private.



7-Be kind at all times, in big and little ways. Don’t expect anything in return.



8-Get an education. Become an expert in your field of interest. Find something you love to do.



9-When in a relationship, never speak unkindly, with blame or accusation. Jealousy is a waste of energy. Just don’t go there.



10-Take pride in your appearance, but strive to be low-maintenance. True beauty is created through health and happiness; not makeup and designer clothing.



11-Be confident, but never be afraid to admit when you are wrong.



12-Never underestimate your power to emasculate. Take the high road in an argument.



13-Remember that ‘forgiveness’ is for the giver. Because no matter how much negative energy you spend on resenting someone for the wrongs they have done to you, they won’t feel it but you will. Let it go.



14-Always close the door when going to the bathroom. And never allow someone in there with you. Some things should never be shared.



15-When your mate disappoints you, tell him (or her!). And always let them in on your expectations.



16-Write love notes. Every chance you get. They don’t have to be long but they let your lover know you were thinking of them.



17-Be proud of your family, your community, your place of work and your country.



18-Brush and floss your teeth and see your dentist regularly. Your smile will always be your biggest asset.



19-Remember there is someone out there just for you and you will find each other when you least expect it. No one is perfect but that doesn’t mean you should ever settle for someone who doesn’t cherish you.



20-Last but not least, remember you were put on this Earth for a reason. Now go out there and find it.