Every now and then, while scrolling through Facebook, I'll see articles about how girls plan on raising their daughters.
The posts usually read something like "Don't spend $5 on mascara" or "Coffee will be your best friend". I believe us girls grow up thinking "I'll raise my child like this" etc. and once a girl becomes a mother all of those thoughts go out the window. I became a mother young and 99.9% of the time I'm running around wondering what to do and hoping that the little human I am raising will turn out to be a good, worthy, kind hearted person. The beauty of motherhood is that I feel like that's what we all want for our kids and none of us really know what we're doing. When my daughter Kinsley was just a newborn I had trouble getting her to sleep. One night she was extra cranky and nothing that I was doing seemed to be the trick to getting her there.
I was tired, she was tired, and we were both getting to know one another.
To our luck, my dad walked in the room and asked if he could try and get her to sleep. Within a few minutes of him singing, bouncing her back and forth, and patting her on the butt she went fast to sleep. She's almost four now and if she's sleepy I can hold her and pat her bottom and she'll be sound asleep in no time. I feel like there is a never-ending learning curve that us parents have to get through one stage of our child's life at a time. I don't know one mom who has it all together all the time, but I do know tons of moms who are out there trying their best and doing what they think is right for their child. The coolest thing about being a mom (other than having the best kid(s) ever) is that we get to raise them the way that we want to and there is no right or wrong way to do it. So, I decided to come up with my own idea on how I want to raise my daughter.
Although there are more things that I'll have to teach Kinsley along the way here are 101 things I want her to know:
1. Always remember that I love you more than I love myself.... all the way around the world and back again
2. Jesus loves you more
3. Pray every chance you get
4. Be kind to others
5. Think before you speak
6. Your "makeup game" will never define you
7. You're prettier without it anyways and one day you'll realize it, too
8. Do what makes you happy
9. Being popular isn't what's most important
10. Be humble
11. No, you're not really in love with that boy that you met 2 weeks ago
12. Don't let him make you believe that he's in love with you either
13. Don't let boys define you
14. If you want to play sports, cool
15. If you want to play an instrument, cool
16. If you want to drag race, cool
17. I will support you in whatever you decide to do and will probably cry while watching you do whatever you love (don't make fun of me)
18. Sleep
19. If I tell you those shorts are too short don't get mad when I make you change
20. If a boy asks for a 'picture' he's not worth your time
21. Find your favorite show and watch it over and over again
22. Don't forget to call me when you've made it to your destination
23. You can tell me anything
24. I will back you up 110% as long as you tell me the truth
25. Lying never gets you anywhere
26. Do your best in school
27. But don't let that bad grade define you
28. Save your money
29. Don't pop your knuckles
30. Always dance
31. It's okay to have a messy room
32. Don't ever get revenge
33. Be the bigger person
34. Always smile. Your smile is contagious
35. Say sorry
36. Respect others
37. Don't post everything on social media
38. Your follower count doesn't define you
39. Be thankful for what you get
40. Thank God everyday for what He blesses you with
41. Pray for your future husband
42. Sex is meant for marriage
43. If I say you have to be home at 10, don't be a minute late. No excuses
44. Eat whatever you want
45. Don't forget to floss
46. Don't be a follower to Regina just because the boys like her
47. You don't have to look perfect every day of school
48. No one will care what you look like in college anyway
49. I know which of your friends are up to no good
50. You will go through many besties in High School
51. Winning isn't everything
52. DO NOT EVER text and drive
53. If you're second guessing if he's right for you.... He's not the one
54. Love your height
55. Underage drinking is lame
56. Tanning all year round isn't necessary
57. Spend time with your grandparents
58. Learn how to shoot a gun properly
59. There is no such a thing as snipe hunting
60. Love Jesus and yourself before you love that boy
61. Guard your heart. Nobody else will do it for you
62. Be aware of your surroundings
63. Eat breakfast
64. Study for that test
65. Watch your favorite cartoons even if you think you're too old for them
66. Don't be a bully
67. Don't judge a book by its cover
68. Read
69. If you fail simply try again
70. Fight for what you believe in
71. Sing with all you have
72. It's okay if you're not sure what to major in
73. Smoking/cussing of any kind has never been cool
74. Have forgiveness
75. Go to concerts
76. Don't let anyone bring you down
77. Take responsibility for your actions
78. Be independent
79. Try not to worry
80. Learn how to cook
81. Listen to what others have to say even if you don't see eye to eye with them
82. It's okay to agree to disagree
83. Never be someone's second choice
84. Be patient
85. Bullying of any kind is not cool
86. Trust your instincts
87. See the best in people
88. Stand up for yourself/ others
89. Be caring
90. Find something that you're passionate about
91. Travel
92. Treat others the way you would like to be treated
93. Always have an open mind
94. Go to the clearance section first
95. Laugh, laugh a lot
96. Don't spread gossip
97. Try new things
98. Take goofy photos
99. Never settle
100. Mac n cheese with ketchup will cure anything
101. ALWAYS be you! You are perfect in every way❤️
Editor's Note: Photos of Kinsley by herself are by: Kaila Stinson, Owner of Sharing the Good Things Photography
