Dear Daughter, Here Are 21 Things Your Father & I Want You To Know!

“Have a voice of your own!” A mother writes a heartfelt letter to her baby daughter, telling her about her, and their hopes and dreams for her.

Dear Baby Girl,

Every day, every single time that I hold you in my arms, be it for feeding you, playing with you, bathing you or putting you to bed, there is this one thought that constantly bothers me – Am I raising you right? Am I doing everything that I should be doing to bring you up? Am I teaching you enough to build a strong foundation of core values for you? Am I doing justice to my dream of raising a good human being above all?

I don’t know when you will read this, maybe a decade from now on or on one of your gloomiest day when you are a teenager, or on the day you take that huge plunge of independence, but that day I want you to know:

You are smart

Daddy and I will always be there to guide you. We will ensure you that you get an exposure of all things good and bad (in a subtle and protective manner), so that when the time comes, you make smart and informed decisions.

You are kind

Have the heart that acts kindly. Be gentle, to not just people but other living beings too. Make friends with plants, trees and animals that surround you. For when humans fail you, these friends will stand by you always.

You are important

Imagine that if your life were a movie, you would be the lead actress. Don’t be selfish, but do not let others take precedence in your life, especially in the concerns that affect you directly. Don’t break hearts, but don’t get bogged down too.

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You are a dreamer

It is only when you dream that you will realise your true calling. So, don’t be afraid to dream big, but remember that you need to work hard to accomplish those dreams. And also, not all dreams come true but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming. For it is only when you dream, you strive for it.

You are an achiever

Work hard, be competitive. Strive for success, work towards your goals like there is no limit. But remember to be content with and grateful for what you have achieved. Don’t just succeed, but do win people on your way to success. Don’t push yourself too hard, for every new milestone achieved, there will always be a new one. So, remember to sit back, relax and smell the roses.

You are strong

Physically, mentally and most importantly, emotionally. Don’t let anyone tell you anything else. At times, when you are all bottled up, it is absolutely okay to break down. But pick up from there and emerge stronger and wiser.

You are fierce

Be the person whose action and demeanour will let others know where to draw the line. Don’t be intimidating, but don’t be docile and naïve too. Let your dignity and your actions speak for themselves.

You are empathetic

I want you to feel, like really feel for others. Be compassionate. Step in their shoes before you act on a certain thing or say a certain something. That, my baby, will make you loved and respected more.

You are fearless

Fear only your actions, for our actions have repercussions sooner or later. Fear nothing else. Mommy and Daddy will hold your hand as long as you get rid of any fear, will help you through the way. Just remember to talk to them about your fears, all of them, big and small, good and bad ones too.

You are intelligent

You will reason, reason everything. The matter, its existence, its past, present and its future. Your curious mind will ensure to ask intelligent questions all the time.

You are a thinker

We will make sure books become your best friends. The more you read, the more you will think. The more you think, the more eminent your existence will be. For the mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

You are creative

Don’t just learn, experience. Don’t just read, absorb. Don’t just change, transform. Don’t just relate, advocate. Don’t just promise, prove. Don’t just criticize, encourage. Don’t just think, ponder. Don’t just take, give. Don’t just see, feel. Don’t just dream, do. Don’t just hear, listen. Don’t just talk, act. Don’t just tell, show.

You are my confidante

All those sweet nothings I whisper into your ears are our secrets I want us to keep from the world. When you are a big girl, I want to be friends with you – 1 AM friends, who are open to talking about anything and everything under the sun. I promise to be your safe space.

You are my strength

I am willing to face all the adversaries (God Forbid) that life throws at me with you in tow. I assure you, that I will keep you safe and happy at all times. Your presence will sail me through smoothly.

You are my faith

I look at you and start believing in miracles. For we have had you when we lost all hopes of becoming parents ever. So, you instill that faith in me, that miracles do happen. And at the end of every dark cloud is a silver lining.

You are my pride

I am truly blessed to have you. Your choices, your decisions will make me proud. Sometimes you will fail my expectations, I will be hurt for sure but proud of the fact that you gave it your best shot. I will make sure you don’t give up on yourself ever.

You are unique

When God made you, he broke the mould. You are one of a kind. Gifted and talented in your own way. I will help you realize your interests, hone your skills and boost your talent. You are not the one who will follow stereotypes, but be your own benchmark.

You are special

We knew this the moment we laid our eyes on you. You are our prayer that was answered after a really long wait. We want to cherish every moment with you. Your mere presence makes our lives extraordinary.

You are an equalizer

Remember that Mommy and Daddy have taught you to be equal to everyone, irrespective of what the societal norms dictate. Treat everyone you meet with the same love, respect, and dignity. That will make you stand apart from the crowd, making you truly special and unique.

You are perfect

With those two eyes, two ears, one little nose and that smile that make even our gloomiest days bloom, you are PERFECT to the T. If you ever meet anyone who finds flaws with the way you look, remember that there is a flaw with the person’s mindset. We have brought you up to be perfect by improvising, by making existing things and thoughts better. Not just someone who is obsessed by looks

And most importantly, you are YOU

Dear Baby, don’t lose yourself in being someone else. Build your individuality, have a voice of your own, a personality of your own. Have ideas, but refrain from idolizing them. Think independently, act responsibly. The world will burden you with tonnes of expectations (Sadly your parents belong there too), but be bold enough to choose what is best for you. Don’t drown yourself in living a life that someone else has crafted out for you. Always remember, it’s your life and hence it has to be your terms.

Many times, life does call for compromises. Many times you do have to give in too, but my baby, Mommy promises to be with you at all these times and help you emerge wiser and stronger.

I love you.

Always with you till my last breath,

Your Mumma

Author’s note: Let us empower our girls at the right age. Let us raise them with their realization of Self worth, Dignity and Self Love. More power to mommies and their baby girls.

A version of this was first published here.

Image source: shutterstock

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