Daughters grow up incredibly fast. Not only do girls undergo puberty faster than boys, but they even mature faster than their male counterparts. To many parents, it only takes a blink of an eye before their precious little princess becomes a woman of their own.
One of the sincerest things parents can do for their children is to write them a letter. Of course, parents will always be there to give a word of advice or two. However, there’s something different and more sentimental when those words are written in a letter.
There’s no wrong way to write a letter to your growing daughter. However, there are some important things you might want to consider adding. For example, it’s important for parents to let them know how much they love their children or how proud they are of them. It is also sentimental to talk about memories and even advise them about matters of life and love.
This article will discuss a few points to consider when writing a letter to your daughter growing up. Some examples will also be given to possibly spark some inspiration.
Why Should You Write a Letter to Your Growing Daughter
Although it may seem like a thing of the past nowadays, writing letters will always leave a special place in the heart of the recipient. There are a number of reasons why you should write letters, especially to your daughter growing up before your very eyes.
One of the primary reasons why some parents opt to write letters to their kids is because they can convey their feelings better that way. This may be something to consider if you constantly find yourself saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. It’s not that you mean it, it’s just that it may not be how you’re wired.
Writing a letter gives you the time and space to think of your words. When you’re not in the situation itself, you can hear yourself think and properly convey your feelings on a piece of paper. This is an especially important tool in therapy and it can benefit both the author and the recipient.
Another important reason why parents choose to write letters to their children is that they are worried that something unexpected might happen to them. Parents ideally envision themselves old and gray as they watch their children grow up before their very eyes and be there for every milestone in their lives. While it’s always good to hope for the best, some prefer to prepare for the worst. Hence, writing letters can be their only way to leave messages for their children as they grow up.
Either way, children will ultimately cherish any letter written to them by their parents. By the very nature of letters, children will have a sense of how their parents truly felt all those years ago.
Writing a Letter to Your Growing Daughter
A letter to your daughter growing up can be any message you want. However, there are some things you may want to consider adding.
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Love
Understandably, you may already have thought of adding this. However, it’s just too important to not include it in this list. Telling your daughter that you love her should always be a priority because every parent should reassure their children of how much they love them in any given situation. While saying ‘I love you’ is the simplest way, there are a number of ways to convey your love. Even simply saying that the day they were born was your happiest memory can be significantly impactful.
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Pride
Until they become parents of their own, children will never understand how their parents truly felt about them. Many children will always think of their parents simply as the adults who were in charge. Thus, it’s always a good idea to expound on how proud you really are of them. You can recount a memory wherein you were so proud of them. It doesn’t even matter what they did. Adding this is highly recommended.
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Memories
Talk about their childhood. Walk them down through memory lane. They may be reading the letter as a teen or as an adult but write the letter talking about how they are now. Talk about how she currently loves unicorns. Tell her how she’s scared of that one creepy-looking tree in the backyard. Talk about something now that she can look back on. Not only does this give her something lighthearted, but this will give her the idea that you were always there for her.
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Advice
Advice is incredibly important for a growing woman. They may be at a point in their life where they truly need to hear some words of wisdom, and you can be that person to give it to them no matter where you are. Tell them the lessons you have learned in your life that they can possibly use for their own. Advise them on being an adult. Advise them on love and heartbreak. Advise them on being a parent. Pour out from your heart the words you think can help make them the best person they can be – the best person you want them to be.
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Dreams
Every parent has dreams and aspirations for their children. However, it is important for parents to let their children know that you want them to follow their own dreams. Your daughter may have been facing challenges and obstacles in her life and will need words of encouragement. Tell them about their dreams then. It may amuse them to reminisce that they used to dream of those before. However, tell them that they can follow whatever dream they want. Children will always look to their parents for support, and this is your chance to give that.
Example Letters to Your Growing Daughter
Every letter will always be unique as each one comes from the heart. However, here are some sample letters that you can possibly get inspired by.
Letter 1
To my dearest peanut,
As I’m writing this letter right now, do you know where you are? You’re currently asleep in your room. You fell asleep again under my desk. You insist that it’s a magical desk because no matter how many times you fall asleep under it, you always wake up in your own bed. No matter how old you are, I hope you still believe in magic.
No matter the reason why you’re reading this letter, there are things I want you to know. I want you to know that the moment I first held you in my arms, I knew my life changed forever. I want you to know that seeing your first milestones in life was the proudest I’ve ever been.
If you’re reading this letter, then I have to assume that you’re on your way to becoming an adult. I have to tell you, it’s not an easy journey. I remember that it was one of the scariest parts of my life. However, you just have to push through. If there’s something standing in your way, you just have to believe that you will get past it eventually. Nothing can truly weigh you down except yourself.
Are you happy? Are you with someone? Are you following your dreams? There are things that may feel important but if there’s one thing I can tell you: you always need to take a step back and see what truly is important. We have so little time and I just wish that you’re spending your time on the things that make you smile and laugh.
I hope life rewards you with everything you can ever wish for as life rewarded me with you.
Love,
Mom
Letter 2
Dear daughter,
Congratulations! Graduation will always be a big day. I wish I could give you the largest hug!
As you’re growing up, there are things that I wish I could’ve told you before. However, we do with what we’re given. I may not be here anymore, but my words are, so I hope you listen well.
I want to tell you how to deal with life. However, I have no doubt you’re going to be alright. Ever since you were small, you were always so brave and independent. I remember how quickly you ran to the other kids on your first day of school and made friends so fast. I was definitely more scared than you were that day.
It makes me sad that I’m not there on your big day, but know that I’m always watching over you, honey. I hope you hear me cheering you on every single way! Even though I’m the parent, you’re the one who taught me a lot. Keep on taking life by the horns and always follow your dreams.
I love you. Always have, always will.
Dad
Letter 3
Dear pumpkin,
I don’t know if you know this, but I remember back in college, my friends and I used to be so reckless. We’d take these long road trips with no destination in mind. We’d party with strangers in random places. There wasn’t a thing in the world we were scared of.
After you were born, I swear crossing the street was painfully scary.
The moment you entered our lives, I knew that I can’t afford to be reckless anymore. I couldn’t even bear the thought of not being with you all throughout your life. Unfortunately, there are just things we can’t control.
I may not be around, but your mom is. Listen to everything she tells you because she’s an awesome woman. I’m sure you’ll grow up just as awesome as she is.
Pumpkin, I hope you live your life to the fullest. There’s nothing worse than a life unfulfilled. Thankfully, I already had my fill with my time with you.
Boys are not allowed until you graduate college, okay? That’s not negotiable. Tell them your dad is not allowing you to date until then. However, if you do meet a special someone. I hope you all the best.
Loving your mom was among the greatest things in life and I hope you can find your own person, someone who’s going to love the same movies as you do (or at least sit through them like your mom did for me).
If ever you find yourself falling out of love, trust me: you’re going to be fine. I had my fair share of heartbreaks. The way I looked at it, I had to go through all that heartache to meet your mom. At the end of the day, it would all be worth it when you do finally get to be with the right person. You’ll know when they’re the right one.
Do you know when I knew your mom was the right one? It was probably our fourth or fifth date. We were at a diner having breakfast. I don’t remember what I ordered but I can never forget the way she ate fried eggs, how she’d separate the yolk from the egg white. It was so weird that I fell in love on the spot.
Pumpkin, I hope you don’t ever forget how proud I am of you. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re going to grow up and have an amazing life. Enjoy the journey no matter where it takes you. All roads lead to where you need to be.
I love you, pumpkin! No matter when you read this, you’ll always be my little girl.
Your favorite parent
