My Dear Daughter,
Almost 11 years ago, you made me a mother and changed my life forever.
When you were a toddler, we would repeat this simple affirmation because I believed it covered everything you needed to know: “I am beautiful. I am strong. I am loved.”
I wanted you to walk through life filled with the assurance that you are beautiful inside and out, stronger and braver than you know, and so deeply loved. Maybe we should revisit that practice, especially in these tween years.
Like most children, you’ve always been in such a rush to get older. I, on the other hand, wish the days, weeks, months, and years could slow all the way down.
Today, I find myself cherishing our time together more than ever. When I think about the fact that your childhood is already well past the halfway point, I feel a bittersweet sense of nostalgia, as if I’ve missed out on something somehow, even if I haven’t.
You are growing up so quickly. Right now, you’re in this weird and wonderful in-between stage where you’re finding who you are, what you love, and what matters to you. You are becoming increasingly independent. You’ve always been very curious about the world, but now you actually know things that I wish you didn’t have to.
As much as I miss the baby and toddler years, I see you maturing and discovering the universe and your place in it in so many new ways every day and having fun doing so. I admire your passion for learning, as well as your love for reading, writing, and drawing. I also appreciate how you dive into playing Dandy’s World and Minecraft with enthusiasm, focus, and research. I love how you enjoy listening to music and know all the best Britney Spears songs.
This is a special stage in your life — you’re not a little kid anymore, but you’re not a teenager yet, either (cue “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman”).
Whether we’re eating your favorite ramen, laughing at silly jokes, or watching Bluey, Big City Greens, or Phineas and Ferb, let’s stay connected and keep making memories. Let’s continue hanging out at the mall, planning adventures, and taking turns writing in our mother-daughter journal. Before long, I know you’ll start branching off and not wanting to be with me as much.
The next few years will bring new experiences, new feelings, and even some difficult days. You’re welcome to come and talk to me at any time about anything. I promise to listen, care, and be here for you. I will let you live your life and find your way with my support.
You will never be alone, no matter how big or small the question, the problem, or the dream. And when you’re unsure of what to say or do, I’ll do my best to be patient and understanding.
You’ve been a strong-willed person from birth, and it’s remarkable to see that you really haven’t changed all that much. You are still that girl and will always be that girl. Whatever changes take place around us, I’ll be cheering you on, and I’m so proud of the smart, witty, and quirky kid you are and all of the incredible things still ahead of you.
I hope we will always be close and that these ordinary, everyday moments we share are building strong bonds that last a lifetime. Watching you grow up is a gift, and I am blessed to walk this journey with you.
Never forget:
You are beautiful. You are strong. You are loved.
And you are amazing — just by being you.
Love, Mom
I love that mantra you have for your first born! Daughters and mothers can have such a deep special bond, and it seems you’ve cultivated this since yours was a baby. As a new mom I’m looking forward to watching my little girl grow up and hope we will hang out doing girly things and swap mom-daughter diary entries, too. ????
This is beautiful! Truly describes the emotion and whirlwind behind watching your daughter grow as I too am feeling those same emotions. The first born, the one we learn the most from! I will be looking into getting that diary too for when she is a bit older to maintain that precious communication!
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