13 Life lessons to teach your daughter before she turns 13

Self-Love & More: 13 Life lessons to teach your daughter before she turns 13

daphne

29 Nov 2017

updated the 30 November 2017 à 17:49

1/13
Focus on yourself first
Tell her that until she learnt to love herself, she shouldn't depend on someone else to love her. She has a long way to learn confidence, character and find out what she likes or don't like. Having the birds and the bees talk is also something that you shouldn't avoid. In fact, it's crucial you emphasize it because at her age, finding a boyfriend seems right since everyone else has one. In order to save her from heartbreaks and the possibility of being a young mom, having the talk early is very important.
2/13
Speak up
Tell her that you will always be there for her and that she can trust you with good advice. Always support her no matter what she is going through and refrain from yelling as it would cause her to forever bottle up her emotions.
3/13
Never compare yourself
You might have heard of people saying that you should compare your kid to their close friends or cousins so that she will learn to be like them. Sometimes it might work but most of the time, it backfires. Be it her friends or her cousins, she is uniquely her. Its important your girl stays happy with who she is in order to strive in future.
4/13
Looks doesn’t matter
Looks might attract boys, get you jobs easily and get you more friends. But if your personality and character sucks, looks doesn't matter because everyone would know to stay away from you.
5/13
Love your body
It's no question that body stereotypes are one of the biggest issues we face. We're supposed to have the assets but maintain a skinny figure at the same time. Teach her to know that we are not objects for show and that her body belongs to her alone. One way to help them develop healthy body positivity is to encourage them to do sports. Physical activity gives them an opportunity to see their bodies as strength and stamina, rather than being defined only by its appearance.
6/13
Makeup is not necessary
Teach her to embrace her acne and blemishes as part of puberty and a sign of growing up. Never encourage makeup until she is old enough and try to do your own makeup away from her. Many cases show that teen girls grow up watching their mom put on makeup and that's where they learn the same. Tell her that using makeup will only further worsen her skin condition and cause more breakouts because she is putting toxic chemicals directly on her face.
7/13
Be kind and compassionate
Practice acts of kindness every time of the day. Be it with animals, people or plants. Even the smallest acts like stroking a stray cat, giving up a seat to an elderly and watering the plants should be complimented. It will encourage her to do more good deeds and she will also grow up to be a better person.
8/13
Failure is normal
Failing on a test or not getting a position in the school team is all part and parcel of life. Teach her to know that it is only normal and everyone goes through the same thing. It will only make her grow stronger preparing her for future occurrences.
9/13
Get rid of toxic friends
True friends will make you feel good, look good, help empower you and sometimes even challenge you. If they are not all of the above, it's time to let them go. It might be difficult to get your point across because at their age, having a lot of friends make them popular and feel good. However, it will not last if it isn't real. She is only living in a moment. Having a few true friends in her life is what she truly needs.
10/13
Followers are not important
With social media being a big part of a teens life, its important to always keep an eye on their social media sites and see who they're following or vice versa. Tell them that followers are not important, afterall they are just strangers that views your photos.
11/13
Love your hair
When it comes to hair, we're not only talking about the hair on our head but on every part of the body. Having more hair doesn't make you a man. It just makes you go against all stereotypes men have for women.
12/13
Be happy with the little things
Wanting more and branded materials is part of humans nature. Sometimes when we grow up, we never learn that its not the branded goods that define us but our personality and character.
13/13
Don’t worry about growing up
Being happy and having fun should be the main focus in her life at this point of time. She doesn't need to try to act like someone she is not or dress like someone older. Tell her that she only have one chance to be a child and if she wasted the chance, she can never have it back.

These are the valuable life skills your teenage daughter needs to know.

Being a teenager is one of the most trickiest times in your child’s life. The transition from childhood, the hormonal and body changes, and the heightened emotions – it certainly is not easy.

It’s particularly difficult for teenage girls, who often have their sense of self-worth and identity tied up in their image — which is even more challenging in today’s world ruled by social media, where they choose to follow their favourite influencers, celebrities and YouTubers.

Pre-teens are easily influenced; which is why a parent’s job is to educate and support them. It’s never too young to start the birds and the bees talk or spread body positivity, for instance. Here are the 13 life lessons you should start teaching your daughter before she turns 13.

Photos: Getty Images

8 Tips to encourage your child to appreciate their Mother Tongue

The ‘Fifth Trimester’: 9 Tips to successfully adjust back to work post-baby

What is a ‘Yes Day’?: The new parenting trend dividing the Internet

'Money Dates': An alternative date night idea essential...