50 things I want my daughter to know

In the day-to-day bustle and busyness of life, it helps to stop and ponder how much we love our little ones. I find that my communication with my daughter is usually, “Hang up your towel,” “Don’t forget to empty the dishwasher,” or “Is your homework done?”

Here are 50 tips, teachings, and mini love notes for my only daughter. These are also tidbits that I constantly need to remind myself. Maybe some of them are items that you could pass on to your daughter.

1. Your hobbies aren’t weird. It’s admirable to be unique.

2. Your body is beautiful, gorgeous, and healthy.

3. Never stop reading.

4. Share your sense of humor — don’t stifle it.

5. You can tell me anything, anytime.

6. You don’t have to have the newest or priciest things.

7. I adore you.

8. Your virtue is precious. Save yourself for your husband.

9. Nothing beats a brownie-in-a-mug. (recipe link: bookclub41.blogspot.com)

10. Take care of your clothes so you can donate them later on. Someone needier than you will welcome them.

11. Wear sunscreen.

12. I love the sound of your laugh.

13. Don’t rip out any of the “why-did-I-write-that?” pages of your journal. You’ll be fascinated by your words someday.

14. I cheer when I see you serving others. It’s been said that service is an antidote against selfishness.

15. Always be gracious. Your level of gratitude reveals your character.

16. Take your worries to God. He cares.

17. Modest is hottest. You don’t need to show everything to look like a million bucks.

18. It’s ok to disappear sometimes to rest and recharge.

19. If you have an iffy feeling about something (an outing with friends, a particular boy), trust your gut. Your instincts will keep you safe.

20. Smile and the world smiles with you. People are drawn to cheerful people.

21. Take lots of pictures to document your life and whereabouts.

22. White chocolate chips sprinkled into warm, buttered popcorn is heavenly.

23. A brutally hard workout pays off.

24. Make the goal to graduate from college with a degree you can use.

25. Appreciate your health. There is no greater blessing than a healthy body.

26. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others.

27. Take the advice of Henry Eyring, a religious leader, “Trust in the Lord, get some sleep, and wake up happy.”

28. Don’t be too hard on other people. Often there are hidden circumstances we don’t understand.

29. It never hurts to think fast and talk slow.

30. Expect many ups and many downs in your life. Dr. Suess said, “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”

31. Remember that your actions, not your belongings, define you.

32. I know that three pesky brothers can be frustrating, but remember that quiet talk is the language of peace. One day, they’ll be your good friends.

33. When life gets dreary, pray. And shop, sometimes.

34. It’s ok to enjoy clothes — just don’t let them consume you.

35. You don’t need to wash your hair every day . . .

36. . . . but if possible, you should bathe every day.

37. Some boys will break your heart, but I promise that you’ll get over them.

38. A few tiny bites of raw cookie dough won’t kill you. Eating a whole bowlful is gross.

39. It’s ok to ask your friends not to swear.

40. Never stop practicing the piano.

41. Squeeze in a few more veggies and fruits each day.

42. Marry a guy who loves kids.

43. My job right now is to take care of you. Your job is to do your very best in school. Study hard, get good grades, join clubs, play sports, and foster the spirit of participation and hard work.

44. Did you know that money, doorknobs, public toilets, and phones carry millions of disgusting bacteria? Wash your hands often.

45. Don’t be in a hurry to wear make up.

46. Be kind to children younger than you.

47. Respect adults and the elderly by using polite language and manners.

48. Count your blessings. You have so much more than so many.

49. There is something very genuine about a handwritten thank-you note.

50. Always remember how much your dad and I love you.

Megan Gladwell is an Indiana native and mother of four. She blogs at bookclub41.blogspot.com and can be reached at mlgladwell@gmail.com.