10 Things I wish I’d known about raising girls
When you first found out you were expecting, you probably spent hours reading every baby book you could get your hands on. While some of the information might have stuck in your head, the reality is you kind of go with the flow as a parent. What works for one child might not work for another and so many a time you have to think on your feet. That said, here are 10 things I wish I’d known about raising girls
Not all clothes have to be pink
With a girl on the way, it can be tempting to stock up on pink clothes. From pink leggings to pretty pink frocks there are a wealth of super cute outfits out there in this girly colour, but don’t forget to look on sites like LamaLoLi for an array of original garments featuring characters from shows and films they are sure to love, as well as superhero themed garments if you want them to love Marvel as much as you.
Your daughter might be stereotypically girly
No matter how hard you embrace gender neutral parenting or create a play environment filled with a diverse range of toys, your daughter might still be stereotypically girly loving anything to do with Barbie, sparkles or My Little Pony. It shouldn’t make any difference to how you parent her.
Or, she might be a tomboy
Alternatively, she might tread on Polly Pocket to get to her favourite push along tractor or Action Man. Each child has their own personality from a young age, so try not to worry and follow her lead.
Many girls love wearing heels
Kids love to copy what their parents do, so be prepared to share your heels from the moment she can walk.
Lipstick is incredibly fascinating
What is that red stuff Mumma puts all over her lips? This will be the question written all over her face as she simultaneously tries to prize the lipstick out of your hands and apply it to her own mouth.
Said lipstick will end up everywhere
If you want your house to stay clean for more than two minutes, don’t leave her alone with your lipstick – or makeup box for that matter. Girls, plus bright colourful things they can draw with can spell disaster.
You’ll fight over her hair
Want her to wear her hair up for school? Then she’ll want to wear it down! Leave it down for a party and she’ll want it up… not just in a ponytail but in a French plait. And of course, she’ll demand this two minutes before you have to be out the front door.
Girls pick up on everything you do
From eating habits to fashion, your little one will copy everything you do, so it’s important to set her a good example. Even things you don’t think she’s seen or heard might come back to haunt you, so try to be on your best behaviour in her presence.
Girls develop their own sense of style
From around the age of three, many girls will want to select their own clothes to wear to nursery or round their friend’s house. The problem is, they don’t always have a good idea of what’s appropriate such as choosing a fancy dress outfit for the classroom and a woolly jumper for a summer playdate.
Girls love ‘things’
By things, I mean necklaces, hair bobbles, rings, earrings, hair clips and other little trinkets that can turn into a rather impressive collection. Their bedrooms quickly fill up with knick-knacks and throwing anything away will be a nightmare. They need it after all, don’t you know.
Bringing up girls is a great experience, so savour every minute and write all their little funny sayings and actions down so you don’t forget them!
2 Comments
Kim Carberry
April 20, 2015 at 4:27 pm
hehehe! So true….I have two girls and they collect "things"….A total nightmare but I wouldn't change a thing x
newcastle familylife
April 21, 2015 at 9:20 pm
The collection of 'things ' will grow as they get older , my twelve year old has so many bits and bobs she collects xx