There are mistakes you can make when raising any gender child, but daughters can be especially sensitive to the things you say and what goes on around them. You might not even realise that something off the cuff you said stuck with them all through their lives. Although you shouldn’t blame yourself too much, you can avoid these mistakes when raising young women:

Trying To Make Her Like You

There’s nothing wrong with being like you, but if your daughter isn’t inclined to be like you naturally, don’t force it. Your daughter is her own person, so let her personality shine. She might be the polar opposite of you, and that’s ok! Of course you can set examples for her and teach her things, but don’t try to change who she is. The most valuable lesson you can teach her is how to be herself. She should never worry about being like anybody else or whether she fits in!

Focusing On Her Looks Too Much

If you think your daughter is beautiful, of course you want to tell her all the time and make a fuss. You only want her to look her best. However, you should never focus on her looks too much. This teaches her that not much else is important. This is crucial when it comes to her weight. You can teach her about being healthy and active, but you shouldn’t talk to her about what she eats or her weight. This can leave her with a complex. Even watching you on a ‘diet’ could harm her.

Talking Badly About Her Father

No matter the relationship you have with her father, you should never bad mouth him in front of her. She needs the love of her father, and this will help her to feel more secure in her future relationships too. If you have nothing nice to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.

Failing To Coach Her On Relationships

Speaking to your daughter about relationships before the time comes can help her to make good decisions. You don’t want her to think that her value comes from being in a relationship or with a man. She should learn to be happy and independent alone. Make sure you give her healthy advice on men and how she should be treated. Having heavy talks, such as the ‘birds and the bees’ talk is advisable, along with talks on girl problems. Just make sure you don’t give her unrealistic ideas. You need to be careful about how you word things.

Failing To Pick Your Battles

You could nitpick at many things when raising daughters, but picking your battles is always best. She may resent you if you bring up issues that aren’t really important all of the time, so know when to let her be. You’ll end up with the best relationship!

Avoid these mistakes when raising daughters and you’ll raise well rounded young women with good values and their own minds. What more could you ask for? Come back soon!