There are so many things I want to teach my girls that my mind threatens to explode. Half of it they are far too young to even understand yet but the life lessons I want them to learn are always front of mind for me. Some are simple wee tokens of advice that have served me well, others are bigger lessons that I need them to understand. I know I can’t save them broken hearts or hard lessons but when the time is right I will pass on my pearls of wisdom.

Things I want to teach my daughters

1. Always make eye contact when speaking with someone. It is respectful and good manners.
2. Live to eat. Food is delicious and there is so much to enjoy and discover. Don’t eat just to live.
3. Never judge people. You don’t know their story and you haven’t walked in their shoes.
4. Learn to say NO. You don’t need any reason except that you want to say no.
5. Read books. Lots of books.
6. Don’t take life or yourself too seriously.
7. Tattoos are permanent. Think it through, trust me.
8. Don’t settle in a relationship. You deserve a prince who captures your heart and protects it as if it were made of glass. Wait for that man.
9. No matter how old or young you are, if you are drunk, ring me. Do not drive. Do not get in some ones car. I will not be mad at you and I will get out of bed for you.
10. Don’t sleep around. Just don’t.
11. It’s not the quantity that matters when it comes friends. It’s the quality.
12. Don’t be afraid to do you. Be proud of who you are and be you with confidence.
13. A naked face can be liberating. Don’t be afraid to show it.
14. Always have wine in your fridge. For when I visit.
15. Buy the shoes, the handbag, the perfume – you deserve them.
16. Be a good listener. Really hear people when they talk to you.
17. People always remember how you make them feel. Make them smile.
18. No one is any better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.
19. We are all in this together, be kind.
20. Take responsibility for your mistakes. Apologise when you should.
21. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take a deep breath and try.
22. You can be and do anything you want to.
23. You can also do absolutely nothing all day except eat chocolate and watch tv. That’s ok too but only every now and again.
24. If you’re not married to him, use protection. Safety first.
25. Just because it zips, doesn’t mean it fits.
26. Wine/beer and pizza is a perfectly acceptable meal.
27. Tights are not pants and you are better than track pants. Unless it’s Lazy Sunday and then anything goes.
28. I don’t care if you choose to love women or men. You are still you and dad and I will always love you.
29. If they make you cry, they aren’t worth your tears.
30. Have the courage and strength to walk away. Sometimes things aren’t right for us and we must accept this.
31. Childbirth is painful. Few things are comparable. Except bikini waxing, that’s kinda the same.
32. Always have something you do just for you.
33. Your youth will fade, so may your looks but your mind is forever. Keep it sharp.
34. Never lose your sense of humour.
35. If you have to, try the weed but stay away from the hard stuff.
36. See the world. Go on adventures.
37. Stay at school. Go to university. Education is your weapon.
38. Never go to bed angry.
39. We need the cloudy days to appreciate the sunshine.
40. When nothing seems to be going right, turn the music up loud and dance that shit out.
41. I am always on your side. I’ve got your back.
42. Even if I am not here, I am always with you.
43. Everything will be ok in the end.
44. Something as simple as your breath, your smile, your laugh – completes me. To me you are everything.

Mel x