All parents want their kids to grow up smart and responsible people who’ll make a difference in the society in their own ways. Because of this, we do our best in raising our kids with the right values—the ones we hope will stay in them for the rest of their lives.
Now, while good values and important life lessons must be taught to both boys and girls, there are some things that should be emphasized for each gender. Here are the most important ones that girls should definitely be taught.
- Give Self-Respect the Utmost Importance
Self-respect has nothing to do with selfishness. Girls should learn to respect others as well as themselves. It may not be easy, but it’s an important lesson to be taught at an early age. In time, your daughter will understand that if they respect themselves, it’s easier to achieve the best things in life, may it be in their education, career, or even in building their own family in the future. Encourage your daughter(s) to treat herself with value and dignity.
- Embrace Modesty
Given the modern society we have today, does modesty still matters? Our culture may tell us no, and sometimes people don’t even mind to think about what their appearance says about them. What was once considered unacceptable and risqué is now just part of the norm. Show your daughter what modesty is and how it should be, and you’ll actively teach your child about it.
- Value Attitude Over Physical Appearance
It’s important to always let your daughter know how beautiful she is, so she doesn’t have to go outside the family to seek for this affirmation. Even more important than complimenting her physical look, though, is affirming her attitude and character. Counteract the culture’s influence by placing great value on the inner character of a person. Apart from telling her how beautiful she looks, also compliment how beautiful her heart is.
- Save Money and Give Back
Teach your daughter to see money as a tool to help you achieve your dreams, as well as a tool to do tremendous good acts in the world. If you’re blessed to have more money than you need, do not waste this opportunity. Show your child how to share your blessings to help uplift a community, change a social condition, and to inspire others.
- Be Kind Even In the Toughest Situation
The airline lost your bag, the cab driver cut you off, some people don’t like you—these situations happen everyday. How are you going to respond? Although you’re likely to respond angrily, teach your daughter a different and better approach. People are more likely to respond to kindness, and it’s possible to be kind and firm at the same time. Make your daughter understand that instead of throwing tantrums to unfavourable situations, express her thoughts clearly and kindly.
- Learn to Live In the Moment
While today’s technology has greatly improved our way of living, there’s an aspect to it that interferes with building healthy relationships. Control your child’s use of technology and teach her the importance of enjoying real life happenings. See to it to have some time everyday to play, go out, or just talk with your daughter. Show her that you give your full and undivided attention when you’re together.
- Be Independent
This lesson is going to be one of the most important to teach your little girl. Your daughter should realize that she needs to stand on her own two feet. Although you—the parents—can help, you shouldn’t act like you’re her ATM every time she needs something. You have to teach your daughter to be financially independent and self-reliant. Stress it out to her that she doesn’t need anyone—a man, particularly—to provide her with everything.
- Real Love is Unconditional
As what Nicholas Sparks said, “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you will ever do, but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” Perhaps, every parent knows what unconditional love is, because they already love their parents, siblings, and their spouse. Now, you have the responsibility to teach your daughter what real love is. As she grows, what you teach her is going to be her vision of real and unconditional love. By teaching and showing her what it is, you’ll enrich your daughter’s spirituality and inner world.
Your daughter is the most precious flower in your life. Every Singapore parent should be strong enough to bring up a smart, responsible, and independent daughter. What other life lessons you wish every daughter should be taught?
