Letter to My Teenage Daughter

 

A Letter to My Teenage Daughter

On Friday I mentioned that I attended high school with my husband, I also stated that I was glad I was done with high school.  This is what I didn’t tell you: while I was attending my daughter’s classes my mind was whirling with memories of my high school years, and of course there was a touch of anxiousness for my daughter.

(This is the view from the high school cafeteria.)

Some of my mom thoughts:

• She has all these tough classes.
• Her classes are far away from each other, can she make it to class every single day without tardies… and in WEDGES!?!
• I wonder if I send her to school with enough food…. she has to be hungry. I am.
• She has school clubs, homework, and CHEMISTRY, how can she balance it all?
• And then there’s teenage life…
• She’s going to school with kids who DRIVE

Thankfully, my more rational side hit and reminded me that she’s got this.

She is strong, fierce, and smarter than I was at 14. She’s amazing! I’m so lucky to call her my daughter.

It’s her birthday weekend and her winning weekend. My birthday girl brought home 1st place in an essay contest & an invitation to the National Junior Honor Society! #ProudMom #WriteLife

A photo posted by Dean ?? (@mrs_aok) on Feb 13, 2016 at 4:42pm PST

I’m quite sure I tell her often how wonderful she is to me, but I know it’s also nice to see the words, to be able to hold them in your hand and tuck them away forever in your favorite hiding spot. Today, I want to show her the words, let her hold on to them forever, and I’m sharing some of those words with you.

This strong little woman (see previous post) has been making me proud for 14 years. Yesterday she blew me away! She ran in her first track meet (40 minutes away) & hurried home (from her last event) to get ready in time to walk on stage as soon as her name was called to be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Proving once again she’s a rockstar with the most amazing drive & work ethic (I couldn’t even fathom at 14). The force is strong with this one ? My sunshine. ? #whoruntheworldgirls

A photo posted by Dean ?? (@mrs_aok) on Apr 21, 2016 at 2:16pm PDT

My Letter to My Amazing Teenage Daughter

MAK

When I was fourteen I thought I knew it all. I thought I could be anything, but my anything wasn’t anything like yours. My brain didn’t stretch as far, I think I settled on just living and doing, instead of planning and pushing. You, my dear, you’re a pusher, a fighter, a go-getter, and I cannot tell you how incredibly awesome that is to me. To see you hold dreams in your hands so tight and work your hardest to obtain them makes me extremely proud. I wasn’t thinking about college the way you were in eighth grade. And here you are in HIGH SCHOOL already with 4 years mapped out including college classes!  

Where did time go?

The other night when papa and I were at your school I got nervous thinking about high school for you, but then I realized, my nervousness was my own, not yours. Moms get nervous, we worry, it comes with the territory. I’ll always worry for you. Although I may worry, I’m always reassured by your strength, morals, and maturity. Seeing you work this weekend on your debate team notes just because is another example of how maybe I shouldn’t worry as much. You’re always planning ahead. 🙂 

And I love the way you caught me taking a picture of you working on your notes, and instead of blowing your breath with pure annoyance, you suggested I’d take a picture overhead because you knew about a post coming up. 

1) Directing/Managing is in your future, kid. 2) You were right, it made for a good shot. 3) I love your selflessness and big heart! 

Your heart!!!

Your heart is big and pure and so filled with love for family, friends, and people you’ve never meant before.

I’m about to take my daughter to go handout popcorn & Redbox promo codes for her Pay It Forward Project for school. We decided today was the best day to complete it. ? #worldkindnessday #RandomAOK

A photo posted by Dean ?? (@mrs_aok) on Nov 13, 2015 at 2:55pm PST

I hope you’ll always be kind even when the world may not feel as kind back.

You know my heart jumped for joy when you told me you were joining the Random Acts of Kindness Club. ALSO… I’m still waiting on that answer to whether or not moms are allowed. I promise I can be cool!!

Your kind heart should have reminded me not to worry about our across country moves, but again, I’m a mom, I worry for you. You have once again shown me through our moves here and there that with your kind heart, wittiness, and fun personality you can make it anywhere. I’m so grateful that you have made wonderful friends along the way. 🙂 But there’s one friendship that never fails to warm my heart:

I admire the friendship/mentorship you have with your best friend, your little sister.

I  want to thank you so much for that. I cannot tell you how elated I am that my girls are the best of friends. It means the world to me that you two get along and that you’re helping to make sure she follows in such a wonderful path. You heard for yourself from your little sister, “I’m joining Student Council because MAK did.” “And I really want to be treasurer.” That’s you, babe, you’re already inspiring!  

But honestly, you don’t just inspire her.

You inspire your brother,  friends, papa, but most of all you inspire me. I keep pushing and doing for you and for your siblings. All three of you (plus papa) have been the best encouragers of my life.

We’re so lucky to have you as the trailblazer that you are. I love you, baby!! Keep doing you!

XOXO

-Mama

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I am excited to announce that I’m partnering with Yoplait Go Big to advocate writing a letter to your teen. 🙂

It’s so important to be encouragers to our teens now more than ever. Once you write your letter give it to your teen and maybe hand over a box of tissues. 🙂  I certainly had a box near me while I wrote my letter.

After you share your letter with your teen, visit the Yoplait Go Big Facebook Page and share how amazing your teen is for a chance to have your teen be one of three winners showcased. There is also a prize!!  Visit Go Big Facebook Page for the official rules.

Haven’t heard of Yoplait Go Big yet?

New from Yoplait, Go Big is made with teens in mind. Go Big is a large yogurt pouch filled with yummy yogurt made with real fruit. The grip and rip packaging is perfect for a quick snack on the go for teens to enjoy while they crush their day single-handedly. 😉

I found my Go Big variety pack at QFC. No QFC in your area? Don’t worry, Go Big is available at Target, too.

So, let me hear it! What makes your kiddo amazing? Do you write letters to your children?

*Don’t forget to share teens’ amazingness!!!!!>>> ENTER HERE <<