Raising daughters

Today is National women's day and it has me thinking a lot about the four little women in my life. Am I raising them to be strong? Independent? To know their self worth? To know that beauty is more than how they look on the outside? That they can truly do anything in this world they dream of doing? Sometimes in the rush and craziness of life I forget that I'm helping mold the future women of this world. People at the store or family members or friends are always telling my girls how beautiful and pretty they are, how they are going to break hearts and how we'll be in trouble when they all grow up. I 110% agree, my daughters are beautiful and I'm sure they will break a few hearts and yes we are going to be in a little trouble when they get older, but excuse me if I don't tell them that on the daily. I want them to know they are smart, not just book smart, but people smart. They treat people kindly and don't judge and that's more important than pretty hair. I tell them they are funny and witty and they can make people laugh. That is more important than a pretty smile. I tell them they are beautiful for being them, for hating girly clothes and another for loving everything pink and frilly. For wanting to skateboard and play tee ball and ballet and read books. These things make them beautiful because it is what makes them individual's. Raising daughters is hard, this world is scary, people are mean. It's my job as their mother to help them believe in themselves, to know that no matter what, they will come out strong. That their opinions matter. That they have choices and don't  need others to validate them. I hope their future holds all of their dreams and more. I can not wait to see not where this life takes them, but where they choose to take it. And along the way they have taught me and will continue to teach me how to be a strong woman.

Image via pinterest