As a mom, I often find myself contemplating the values I want my daughters to learn as they navigate through life. While there are countless lessons to learn along the way, I’ve narrowed them down to 10 for this post. These lessons are invaluable for their personal growth and happiness.
Here are 10 life lessons I want my daughters to know (in no particular order):
1. Hold strong to your faith:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In times of uncertainty, hold fast to your faith and trust in God. Your faith can provide you with comfort, guidance, and strength. I can say that because I’ve seen and felt it. The Word of God is powerful and God is all you need. Let Him be the one to bring purpose, meaning, and fulfillment to your life. He doesn’t promise a life free of challenges and heartache, but He does promise that He will walk alongside you every step of the way, offering comfort, strength, and guidance. God’s love for you is unwavering. It’s God’s promises that you can be sure are true and His grace is sufficient to carry you through any trial this life has for you.
He doesn’t promise a life free of challenges and heartache, but He does promise that He will walk alongside you every step of the way, offering comfort, strength, and guidance.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
How I’m Helping My Girls Grow Their Faith: I’m transparent with my daughters about my own struggles and I show them when I’m hurting, when I’m in tears, and when I’m struggling. However, alongside these moments, I ensure we have conversations about God and His unwavering presence in our lives. We do Bible Study together and pray together. I aim to show my girls that while life may present challenges, our faith in God serves as an anchor, guiding us through every storm.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
2. Be Kind:
Kindness costs nothing but can mean everything to someone you meet. You never know what someone is going through. Whether it’s a simple smile or a thoughtful gesture, small acts of kindness have the power to brighten someone’s day. Make it a priority to uplift others.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
How I’m Cultivating Kindness in My Girls: Encouraging kindness isn’t just a one-time lesson; it’s an ongoing lesson. Whenever I notice unkind behavior between my daughters, I take the opportunity for a conversation about the importance of kindness. We think of ways we can surprise others and what we can do that will make others smile. We read books on kindness, letting stories inspire and reinforce the value of compassion and empathy. By making kindness a continuous dialogue and action in our lives, I’m instilling in my girls the transformative power of compassion and empathy.
3. Believe in Yourself:
You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to and that’s not just a cliche. Believe in your abilities, talents, and potential, even when others doubt you or obstacles stand in your way. I want you to have the self-confidence you should have to get rid of the self-doubt and go for your dreams. Trust yourself to overcome challenges and adapt to changes. Dare to dream big and believe in your ability to turn those dreams into reality and just know that your Dad and I will be there to make it happen and cheer you on.
Dare to dream big and believe in your ability to turn those dreams into reality.
How I’m Empowering My Girls to Believe in Themselves: Their dad and I are always ready to support and cheer them on in what they choose to do. We provide opportunities for them to explore new interests and step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s enrolling in theater, cheerleading, or swim lessons, these experiences not only showcase their capacity for growth but also instill the invaluable lesson that with dedication and perseverance, they can excel in anything they choose to pursue. Through these deliberate actions and encouragement, we’re fostering a sense of self-confidence and resilience that will hopefully empower them to reach for their biggest dreams.
4. Practice Gratitude:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Be thankful for all your blessings, big and small. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the things you have, from the love of family and friends to the beauty of nature and the opportunities that come your way. Gratitude has the power to shift your perspective, increase your happiness, and foster a deeper sense of contentment and fulfillment. By focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t, you’ll find that even in challenging times, there is always something to be grateful for.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).
How I’m Helping My Girls Learn to Have a Heart of Gratitude: We make gratitude a part of our day to day. Through prayer, we express our thanks to God for all the blessings He’s given us. I’ve also engaged them in conversations about the privilege of having experiences and possessions that others may not. However, teaching gratitude is yet another ongoing lesson, and I’m committed to ensuring they never lose sight of its importance.
One practice I’d love to establish with them is keeping a gratitude journal. This simple yet impactful habit can help them cultivate a habit of appreciation as they reflect on the blessings they’re receiving every day. I want to equip my girls with finding joy in every moment.
5. Find Your Passion:
Pursue activities and hobbies that bring you joy and excite you. Discover what sets your heart on fire and fills you with enthusiasm and energy. Follow your interests and explore something new. Be open to trying new things and going out of your comfort zone.
How I’m Helping My Girls Find their Passion: Teaching my girls to discover their passions is intertwined with various life lessons, particularly #3 about believing in themselves. I view it as a gradual process of self-discovery, where they have the freedom to experiment with different activities and hobbies. Homeschooling allows me to foster curiosity and open-mindedness, where trying new things is not only encouraged but celebrated. Whether it’s signing up for a new class, joining a group, or simply experimenting with different interests at home, I try to encourage my daughters to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Ultimately, I believe that by combining these approaches— encouraging exploration while nurturing existing passions — my daughters will gradually uncover what truly ignites their hearts and minds.
6. Stay Curious:
Never lose your sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Approach life with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge, always eager to learn, explore, and discover new things. Enjoy the big moments and the small details of everyday life, finding joy and fascination in the wonders that surround you. Never stop asking questions and seeking answers.
How I’m Helping My Girls Stay Curious: Homeschooling offers us a unique advantage — we can tailor our learning to their interests. It’s opened up for a culture of curiosity and inquiry, welcoming questions and promoting a genuine love for learning. Transparency is key; I openly admit when I don’t have all the answers, but together, we find them.
7. Value Relationships:
Invest time and effort into meaningful relationships with family and friends. Make time for the people who matter most to you. Relationships require effort, communication, and compromise. While keeping relationships can be difficult (and there are times when you have to let people go), the effort you put in to the ones meant to stay in your life will lead to deeper connection with those who value you too.
How I’m Helping My Girls Value Others: I expose them to social environments where they can develop friendships and interact with others. Organizing playdates with friends and spending quality time with family illustrates the value of making time for meaningful interactions. It’s through these experiences that they learn the importance of listening, communicating, and fostering relationships that enrich their lives.
8. Practice Forgiveness:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
This one is SO hard, I can admit this. Let go of grudges and bitterness; forgiveness is liberating. Holding onto anger, resentment, or past hurts only weighs you down and prevents you from moving forward. Forgiving others does not condone their actions but rather frees you from the burden of carrying the pain they brought you.
How I’m Helping My Girls Practice Forgiveness: I ask forgiveness when I know I’m wrong and extend forgiveness as well. They’re taught to apologize when they do something wrong and also forgive each other when they’re not getting along.
9. Be Yourself. Don’t Change to Fit In:
It’s important to be true to who you are, even if it means you don’t always fit in with everyone else. Sometimes, you might feel pressure to be like everyone else, but it’s better to stay true to your own beliefs and values.
When you try to be someone you’re not, you’re going to be unhappy or uncomfortable. When you’re genuine, you feel more confident and happy with who you are. Being yourself helps you find friends who truly understand and appreciate you for who you are. So, don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are!
It’s important to be true to who you are, even if it means you don’t always fit in with everyone else.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14)
How I’m Helping My Girls Learn to Be Themselves: I give them opportunities to make their own choices. From what they want to wear to what they do/don’t want to do. Being who they are is celebrated and I’m not constantly making them feel like they have to change how they feel and what they want to do.
10. Stay Humble. No Matter How Successful You Become, Always Remain Humble and Grounded.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).
Being humble means recognizing that you’re not better than anyone else, regardless of your achievements. It’s about treating everyone with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of who they are. It’s knowing to say thank you and appreciate those who helped get you where you are. Being humble keeps you grounded, reminding you to stay true to yourself and never forget where you came from. So, no matter how successful you become, always stay humble and grateful for the blessings in your life.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Being humble means recognizing that you’re not better than anyone else, regardless of your achievements.
How I’m Helping My Girls Learn to be Humble: Teaching them to express gratitude by saying thank you and gracefully accepting compliments or praise. While this lesson is ongoing and requires continual reinforcement, instilling these values help them stay grounded and true to themselves.
Parenting with Purpose
Guiding my daughters through these 10 life lessons is filled with intention and love. As their mom, I want them to have the values that will shape their character and help them through life’s challenges and triumphs. From nurturing their faith and kindness to empowering them to pursue their passions and stay true to themselves, each lesson lays a solid foundation that they’ll need now and in the future.
While teaching these lessons may have its challenges, witnessing their growth and development along the way has been incredibly rewarding.
I’ll be their biggest cheerleader, celebrating their successes and guiding them through any setbacks they may experience. In the end, I know there’s nothing more gratifying than watching my daughters become confident, compassionate individuals, ready to take on the world with courage and conviction.