Things I want my daughter to know

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I don’t really think it matters whether you have a son, daughter or a mix of both, there will always be things you want to tell them as they get older. It got me thinking about some of the things I want Erin to know as she grows up and what life lessons I want to teach her. I think there are lots of things I wish I knew and I wish someone had talked to me about more.

It’s okay to make mistakes

Believe me, I made a million mistakes growing up. However, I think I was extremely hard on myself a lot of the time and there was really no need. People make mistakes all of the time and that’s completely okay. In fact, I think it’s probably the mistakes that have led me to where I am now. I wouldn’t be the same person without them so somehow, even though it didn’t feel the way at the time, they were worthy mistakes.

Periods are not a big deal

I’m sure someone spoke to me about periods at some point or another but I don’t remember it at all. Periods were not really the kind of thing that people spoke about when I was in secondary school, even between friends. Most of the time you had to sneak around to to the toilet without anyone knowing what for and if boys knew, well, your life might as well be over.

I really want Erin to be able to talk about things like periods, especially with me. I don’t want to feel embarrassed because there’s really no need. I suffered horrendously as a teenager and I don’t want Erin to have to go through that. Luckily there are so many options now for sanitary products like tampons, pads, mooncups and Knixteen underwear Erin never need to worry!

Believe in yourself

Growing up you can end up doubting everything that you think. Peer pressure is definitely one of the biggest causes of this and it’s horrible. I want Erin to grow up knowing who she is and what she wants. I want her to grow up knowing that not only is it important to go for what you want but also to believe in yourself 100%. Confidence can come across as cockiness but it doesn’t have to.

Savings are important

I have never had savings and I’m not sure John has either. Well, saving up for our house deposit was one thing but not actual savings that were just there. If I ever had money I would find something to spend it on, usually holidays (they’re important too). I wish I had been more careful with money and I wish I was more careful with money now. I want Erin to know how to manage her money well and to understand that working hard and saving gets you nice things.

Don’t lose the fun

I used to be pretty fun. I used to have a great time, be able to laugh and have loads of fun. Being an adult seems to have sucked all of the fun out of my and I HATE it. John has mentioned many times that I no longer know how to have fun like I used to. I don’t want the seriousness of life to take over and I always want Erin to be able to see the fun side of life.

There is obviously a lot more I want to tell Erin but I could go on for days. I’d love to know what you would tell your children growing up. Let me know in the comments!