The realization that my oldest daughter is entering into her last year of being a “tween” has me all in my feels. Childhood goes by too fast, especially when you’re a parent. As she celebrates her 12th birthday in a few short months, I hope she knows….

I hope she knows that she doesn’t have to act a certain way just to fit in.

I hope she knows that she doesn’t need to change her looks or alter her body to be beautiful.

I hope she knows that she doesn’t have to downplay her intelligence to make people feel more comfortable.

I hope she knows that making mistakes are a part of life and that there is beauty in the lessons learned.

I hope she knows that I am going to make mistakes in parenting her and that I too will be learning lessons from them.

I hope she knows that expressing her feelings is ok, and she should never be punished or feel guilty for doing so.

I hope she knows that her time is valuable.

I hope she knows that just because she is soft spoken doesn’t mean that her voice shouldn’t be heard.

I hope she knows that her worth isn’t measured by the amount of things she has.

I hope she knows that she can do anything that she believes she can do.

I hope she knows that friends are one of Gods greatest blessings and to pick them wisely.

I hope she knows that as the years pass and she becomes more independent that I will always be here cheering her on.

I hope she knows, really knows, how much God loves her.