I would like to be the kind of mother who sees and supports the best in my daughter.
The kind of mother she can laugh with.
Who encourages her.
Who honestly knows her strengths and weaknesses, but doesn't dwell on either.
I would like to be the kind of mother my daughter wants to spend time with.
The kind of mother she wants to share with when something amazing happens.
And the kind she wants to call for comfort when the other shoe drops.
I would like to be the kind of mother who exposes my daughter to a wealth of experiences; a multitude of people, places, and things.
Who teaches her tolerance and kindness and generosity and openness and compassion.
I would like to be the kind of mother who doesn't judge-- my daughter or others in front of my daughter.
I would like to be a positive force in my daughter's life. A refuge.
I would like to be the kind of mother who teaches my daughter that there is nothing she cannot do.
That happiness is important.
That she is valuable.
That she is special and unique, and that she deserves love and kindness.
And that, except on rare occasions, fear is just something to get through-- not something to stop her.
I would like to be the kind of mother who accepts my daughter, exactly as she is.
I would like to be the kind of mother who puts my daughter first.
Who considers her feelings.
Who listens to her.
Who hears her.
Who treats her with respect and love, even when I don't understand or like her choices.
In short, I would like to be the perfect mother that I know my daughter -- and every daughter -- deserves.
Most of us don't get that perfect mother... and I'm sure, in many ways, I will fail.
But this, at least, is a good place to start.
oh, my! i figure is you encourage her, teach her she's valuable and really hear her, you've got the rest covered :-)
Posted by: bibi | 04/14/2012 at 02:55 AM
*if you encourage her
Posted by: bibi | 04/14/2012 at 05:12 AM
Yes, that would be the perfect mother and nobody's perfect, but if you keep that list in mind, I would think you have an excellent chance of being the best mother you can be!
Good luck to you and the Champ!
Posted by: samatwitch | 04/14/2012 at 08:30 AM
What a beautiful list! Your awareness is the first step of getting there...lucky little girl =)
Posted by: jcachica | 04/14/2012 at 02:34 PM
my dear sarah...sending this along...it's one of my favorites...and it is in line with your hope and dreams for your wee one... elizabeth knapp wrote these words...'did i tell you?' ..one for sons and one for daughters....http://wordtosser.blogspot.com/2006/11/to-daughters-and-sons-everywhere.html
Posted by: jerie b | 04/15/2012 at 02:54 PM
If you keep this list in mind, encourage her, support her, and simply just love her, Champ is going to grow up to be an amazing lady... just like her mom. Love you.
Posted by: Jessica W | 04/16/2012 at 06:36 AM
This: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/just-parent-no-philosophy-required/?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Posted by: Heather | 04/19/2012 at 07:15 PM
To the lady who attached the link for the Elizabeth Knapp, I am wondering if you have the words to the "Did I Tell You" for almost grown sons.
Posted by: diana znavor | 11/02/2012 at 03:34 PM