Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Birthday Reflections for Kendall

A friend shared Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls.  In honor of my daughter Kendall's 17th birthday today, I've decided to add my take for her.


1.  If you choose to wear shirts that show off your boobs, you will attract boys. 


Kendall, the respect you show for yourself and your body is beautiful and seemingly rare these days. I'm proud of you.


2. Don’t go to the tanning bed.


Yes, Kendall, your skin isn't the darkest shade; you have the pigment of your father, and it suits you beautifully.  Sun-kissed is attractive; sun-baked is unnatural.  Fifty years from now, you will be so glad you embraced your genes.


3.  When you talk about your friends “anonymously” on Facebook, we  know exactly who you’re talking about.


 If you need to talk about someone anonymously on Facebook, feel free to talk about your mother.






4. Newsflash: the number of times you say “I hate drama” is a pretty good indicator of how much you love drama.


Thank you for being a direct, honest, and mostly-drama-free daughter.  As a parent, I can't tell you what a blessing this is.


5.  “Follow your heart” is probably the worst advice ever. 


I can't argue with this one. Thankfully, you let your head lead when it counts and keep your heart in the right place. You're so smart!




6. Never let a man make you feel weak or inferior because you are an emotional being. 


This is a no-brainer, of course. I pity the fool who ever tries this on you.




7.  Smoking is not cool.


You're your own person, and smoking to be "cool" is so not  who you are.  That's admirable.




8.  Stop saying things like, “I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.” 


You have a healthy balance in this regard; you care what the right people think, and that's what's important.


9. Don’t play coy or stupid or helpless to get attention.


This one is tempting, at times. Don't do it to gain attention, certainly, but don't be afraid to let a man help you with something.  Men need to feel important, valued, and appreciated; never be so independent that your guy thinks you don't need him.  




Save helpless for the times you really mean it, like this one:




10.  You are beautiful.  You are enough.


Seventeen years old, and already you know this, thank God. ( Some day, you'll meet a man who knows it, too.  He'll be worth the wait.)


Happy Birthday, Sweetie.  I love you...
Mom

2 comments:

  1. Very sweet, and excellent advice. I hope she has an excellent birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree w Andrea! Happy bday Kendall. :) xxoo

    ReplyDelete

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