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My daughter is at the age where she’s very much influenced by who I am and what I do. I see glimpses of myself in her personality all the time. Since she’s watching me, it’s important for me to be a good example. I don’t want her to grow up to be timid and unsure of herself. She’s made to be confident and brave. She should know that she’s worthy of great things, and that she can do anything. It’s hard for her to believe me when I say it’s possible for her if she sees that I don’t believe that’s all possible for me. We can show our girls what’s possible by leading the way. Letting go of these bad habits will not just serve us, but our daughters as well:
1. COMPLAINING
Instead of focusing on the problem, shift your perspective, or find a solution. Complaining doesn’t help anyone, but it annoys everyone.
2. TALKING BAD ABOUT YOUR BODY
You can’t expect your daughter to love herself exactly the way she is if you’re always talking about what’s wrong with you and the way you look. Talking bad about your body will have your daughter looking in the mirror pointing out her trouble spots.
3. APOLOGIZING
If you do something wrong or hurt someone, of course you should apologize. However, if you always say you’re sorry and apologize for just existing, your daughter is going to pick up on that. She has the right to ask a question, speak, or just be without apology. And so do you.
4. NOT STICKING UP FOR YOURSELF
I believe in taking the high road in most situations. I’ve learned over the years that I don’t have to win every argument. What I won’t do, however, is allow someone to walk all over me. Don’t be a pushover, Mama. Show your daughter how to stand up for herself and you’ll keep her safe from toxic people.
5. SAYING YES WHEN YOU WANT TO SAY NO
Being a people pleaser is a terrible habit and not one that I’d wish on my worst enemy, let alone my daughter. Naturally you want to teach your daughter about helping others and taking care of her obligations, but she needs to know that it doesn’t have to be at the expense of her own welfare.
6. EXPECTING THE WORSE
Do you only see clouds and never the silver lining in situations? First of all, that’s a terrible way to live life. There are so many wonderful things that can happen if you’re open to it! Being a pessimist takes up so much energy. Teach your daughter to expect abundance, and watch how it comes into her life.
7. HOLDING ON TO UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known someone or what your status is. If they are not good for you, guard your heart and let them go. Show your daughter that she doesn’t have to stay in a bad relationship (with family or friends) for any reason. Creating boundaries is what’s healthy.
8. EATING FOOD THAT ISN’T GOOD FOR YOU
Our kids are picking up so many habits from us. If we want them to be healthy in the future, we have to help them create those healthy habits now. They are watching everything we put into our mouth. If we don’t eat it, they won’t either.
9. PUTTING WORK BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE
Work is important, but it’s not the most important. You don’t want your daughter to grow up to be a workaholic who puts work before everything, do you? Show her what a healthy work / life balance looks like so she won’t have unrealistic expectations about what she’s supposed to do when she gets her own job.
10. FORGETTING TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE
Massages, meditation and prayer, getting your hair done—however you choose to practice self-care, make sure you’re doing it regularly. Your daughter needs to know that taking care of herself is supposed to be a priority. When you feel your best, you’ll show up your best. If she sees you blocking out time to focus on your wellness, she’ll understand just how important it is.
There you have it, 10 areas you can start focusing on today to set a good example for your daughter! What is one thing that you try to be sure and set a good example for?
