To My Daughter...

She’s growing up so fast. For a while, it was more that I didn’t feel grown up enough to have such a huge responsibility, now it’s more about the fact that my little, dependant, shy daughter is turning into this stunningly gorgeous young lady, and there is nothing I can do to slow the time down.

I always used to worry about how shy she was, she didn’t like to go to parties on her own, she didn’t like to go to friends for sleepovers, joining clubs would be a major cause of panic for her. I knew she got it from me, (I spent most of my childhood either hiding behind my ridiculously long hair, or behind my mum) as her Dad is Mr Confident, he’ll talk to anyone, about anything, and he could probably sell you some i-goods too if you’re that way inclined. I didn’t want that for my little girl.

She’s not shy anymore

A confidence seems to be blooming in her, she wants to make new friends, she knows she doesn’t need to follow all the other girls in the playground to fit in (there may be a few wobbles but she’s getting there) if we go shopping, she wants to go to her shops, on her own, and pay for her stuff.

This may not seem massive, but it is to me. It’s like I have a completely different daughter. Sometimes I look at her, and she takes my breath away, huge green eyes, beautiful olive skin, legs like Bambi and the thickest, waviest hair (also from me, only hers looks so much lovelier) but even though she’s stunning, she is also the kindest little girl I have ever met, I could not be prouder.

If I could jump into the future and tell her ten things…

1. Don’t smoke. Ever. It’s really not cool (no matter who says it is) and it’s a stupid habit that you’ll have to quit eventually. So just don’t start.
2. You don’t need to follow a crowd. In fact, the less interested you are in them, the more they’ll be in you.
3. Work hard at school and go to college. Even uni if you want. It might seem like hard work at the time, but it will be some of the best times you’ll have.
4. Be yourself. ALL. THE. TIME. If people don’t like you for you, they’re not worth worrying about.
5. Don’t save things for best. Those dresses, the sparkly shoes, wear them. You grow so bloody fast, you need to wear them now!
6. Don’t rush the growing up thing. Have fun now.
7. Travel the world (but email me daily).
8. Always have confidence in yourself. You’re amazing.
9. Don’t tease your brother too much. He’ll have lots of embarrassing stories in a few years & he won’t be afraid to use them.
10. Whatever happens, wherever you end up, we’re always your home.