Guest Post: A Letter to My Daughter on How She Got So Tough

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Susie-Do from http://susiedo.blogspot.com.
This is all part of the TwitterMoms “Blog Swap” so don’t forget to go check out my post over on her site.

Hey Kiddo,

What luck! I get to post a letter to you, my daughter–to be read in ten years–on “Girls Can’t WHAT?” a blog I have already tagged for you, my Love, for your future reference, enjoyment and encouragement. As physical as you are now, I can only imagine that when you’re fourteen, you’ll be involved in some sort of athletics. I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you where you started.

You can climb!
You have been a climber since before you could walk. When other moms told me I shouldn’t let you climb so high because it was dangerous (and they assumed you couldn’t) I knew you could. And it was my job to give you the chance to learn. Back then, before you could talk, I had to speak for you and say, “Yes she can. Just watch.” And you did. A lot.

You can rescue yourself!
Yesterday, a small dresser tilted over and almost landed on you. The only reason it didn’t? Because you caught the dresser with arms built up strong from all that climbing. Visually comparing your petite frame against the size of that dresser, anyone would think you couldn’t possibly hold it up and keep yourself safe. But you did. That’s strong!

You can take a snakebite!
About a month ago, you were helping Daddy feed the snakes and you got clipped by Goldie. Do you remember? After the initial shock, you went right back to feeding the snakes. I’ve been pretty proud of you since the day you were born, but never prouder of you than I was in that moment. I know some people think you’re too young to feed snakes and handle all our “creepy crawlies,” but you’re not, and you do so effortlessly and with more grace than most adults.

You may be thinking, Sheesh Mom, you sure let me have a lot of accidents. Thanks a LOT. Listen, I protected you from real dangers. I mean, it’s not like I let you run out into the street or jump off buildings. But I also didn’t want you to be afraid of getting banged up once in a while. A life well lived requires a certain amount of toughness.

Your teenage years can be vulnerable. You might be hearing lots of opinions on how you should act and what you are and are not capable of.

My point is to remind you that, even at four years old, you were strong, capable, resilient, tenacious, independent, athletic, intelligent and talented. You were able to do things that were commonly believed to be beyond your ability, and all because you believed in yourself. I can only imagine that in ten years’ time, you have grown into a teenager who knows better when someone tells you, “You can’t do it.” Especially if they tell you it’s because you’re a girl.

If you enjoyed this post, head over to Susie-Do to read more and don’t forget to check out my guest post on her site. :)