Laugh Hard and Often: 22 Life Lessons For My Daughters

I take this raising children gig very seriously. I have been thinking a lot about how I was raised — what I was taught, the values that were instilled in me, and which important lessons are worth passing on to my own children. I had a great childhood with a strong mom, a proud dad and siblings who love each other. I want that for my kids.

Though the basic lessons of wrong vs right, good vs bad apply to all my kids, there are certain things I really want my girls to know. No I’m not sexist, but let’s face it — life can be a littler harder for women sometimes (SAHM vs working mom, curvy vs skinny, breast or bottle? I could go on…).

I want my girls to grow up knowing how strong they are, how important they are to the world, and to never let anyone tell them otherwise.

I know I will make my girls aware of these lessons as they continue to grow, but should they ever forget, I want them to be able to look to this list and remember, no matter what happens to them in their lives, what their Mommy always told them:

• You are more then ‘just’ your looks.
• Positive self talk will get you further then negative.
• Let go of ‘perfection’ and embrace the perfectly you.
• Tell people you love them often, but always with heart.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Always listen to and trust your instinct.
• Don’t settle for ‘good enough’.
• Give people a second chance, but never a third.
• Take care of your body so it will take care of you.
• Always try your best — at everything you do.
• Don’t wait for things to happen – make them happen.
• Marry someone who you can have comfortable silence with.
• Don’t stop yourself from feeling what you’re feeling – acknowledge — don’t suppress.
• Don’t let anyone tell you there’s something you can’t do.
• Say you’re sorry.
• Don’t wish away your life — cherish even the small moments.
• Learn and practice empathy.
• Have friends of all different flavors —  they will broaden your life perspective.
• Time does not always heal and some days the pain will seap through – that’s ok.
• Laugh hard and often.
• Learn how to manage your money —  it will save you in the long run.
• Seek out a mentor in all areas of life — work, love, happiness.

:: What life lessons do you want for your daughters to learn? ::

Related: 12 Life Lessons for My Son

Read more from Devan on Accustomed Chaos & Unspoken Grief
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You Look Great in Your Sweatpants: 10 Things Any SAHM Would Love to Hear
Unconditional Love & 10 More Things Being a Mom Has Given Me

Photo credit: modified from Mary Vican on Flickr