ADVICES FOR MY UNBORN DAUGHTER(S)

I came across a list of some advice (for son) by Walker Lamond, the author of "Rules for My Unborn Son" and the words will resonate with each one of us. That being said, it made me think of lessons that would have been useful to me growing up or made my childhood and growing up, less of a puzzle. Things that might have (or might not have!) made a subtle difference. Things that probably I would like to teach my kids. Parents, for kids are epitome of wisdom, their lessons really are a cheat sheet to life, if taught with patience, experience, illustrations and examples, with utmost unconditional love and affection. Their prime nature is to back up and guide their children in the best way possible.

We all got nudged this way or that - although a nudge at a young age can go a long way - but there seems to be an essential quality that's innate. A child's personality is innate. Thinking of me and my brothers; we were three different kids, three different personalities. So the question is how much can be told and taught. That needs to be thought upon. But the society we are brought up in, we will come up with very strange notions, if we have to talk about parenting, especially about parenting daughters. There is no understanding of innate traits and how crucial is to do the parenting right. Only prejudices prevails. Yes, in the end it all depends upon the individual but I believe a very prominent part of our individuality is what we have seen, heard, learnt and understood. Even in my previous feature "Bring up the Girls Right", I tried to serve on plate the nasty sides of our perceptions and our double-standards for girls. Now this is not applicable to all of us but what is wrong in introspecting and rationally correcting and mending our ways. Daughters must hold a very special place in our lives. And it is important to teach them some life lessons before they step up in the outer world to equip them to stay strong, confident and with clear mind. Strategically speaking, take any developed nation into consideration and then without being biased by prejudice, or without getting into any cultural and moral debate, look into the status on women in their society, not just professionally and socially, but also try to analyse the mindset of their societ regarding women. For our nation to develop, our human resource needs to develop and for that we need women to get empowered; for which we need to bring them up right; for which we need to get out of shackles of what we have been taught to believe. OPEN YOUR MIND A BIT! WOULD YOU?
THESE ADVICES ARE GIVEN IN SERIES IN ACCORDANCE TO THE GROWING GIRLS.

Give toy cars and bikes a try. Barbies are fictional and overrated.
Don't sit around. Play.
If someone touches you the wrong way or say something wrong. Tell.
Pick an musical instrument. Sing.
Even if you are not good at drawing, try those colors. That's what you have to fill your life with.
Being girl does not mean you are not strong. Kick-Box.
Respect your elders. They are of different time. Difference in way of thinking should not bring differences in hearts.
There is so much about this world that you will learn in coming time; things that will intrigue you, shock you. It will all make sense in its due time.
Listen to their remarks but keep in mind from where they are coming.
Learn about different nations, cultures, cuisines and make a journal to plan a trip, when you grow up.
Learn different languages, especially your native language and language of your dream destination.
Help your mom. Not because you should, being a girl but because you owe her this bit.
Learn to do the household chores not because you need this quality to get married off but because every individual should be capable of taking care of himself.
Do your laundry. No one should clean your dirty clothes. And washing machine is not an option every single time.
Pick a sport. Don't shy away just because you are going through physical changes.
Learn to drive but before that learn to change the tyre and other basic things about your car or bike. And Yes! Bikes are not just for guys.
Wear what you are comfortable in, be it clothing or footwear but do not make a fool of yourself.
Dress up. Dress down. What people would say should not matter.
There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt and pair of denim.
Stand up to bullies and eve-teasers. You'll only have to do it once
Listen to your mom, even if she seems nagging, always try to extract the reason behind what she is saying. She might have an experience to share
Don't let anyone tell you if you are loud or quite. Know when to be what.
Don't knock it 'til you try it.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Don't dumb it down.
Don't make a scene.
When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.
Know when to ignore the camera.
Suck it up every now and again.
Give credit. Take blame.
Admit it when you're wrong. But never be apologetic for being what you are.
If you've made your point, stop talking.
In college always sit in the front. You'll stand out immediately. Come grade time, it might come in handy.
If you offer to help don't quit until the job is done.
Look people in the eye when you thank them.
Don't boo. Even the ref is somebody's child, brother/sister or loved one.
Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.
It's okay to go to the movies by yourself.
Don't lose your cool. Especially at work.
If you don't understand, ask before it's too late.
You are what you do. Not what you say.
Don't litter.
Always look out for siblings.
Never call someone before or after 9 AM and 9 PM.
Don't be the talker. Be a good listener. Don't just take your turn to talk.
You're never too old to need your mom. I will always be their for you.
Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.
Smile at strangers. Don't be scared.
you HAVE to fight, punch first and punch hard.
Their will be a time, when the opposite gender will woo you and even you will develop feelings; I would be lying if I tell you it would not and I would be hypocryite to tell you that it should not. Just that, whenever it does, be patient. People put their best foot forward in the very beginning and hide their real self.
Don't be a user. Just because someone adore you and go on any lenght for you, doesn't mean you have to push them to that lenght.
Heart-ache and heart breaks are part of life. Make the best of yourself, out of it.
Learn people; Their body, their eyes, their lips and most importantanly their mind. The world is filled with real life drama artists.
Go with your intitutions. But first get good at it.
Don't cry infront of those who will not value your tears and probably will only mock behind your back.
Be empathetic and compassionate. Someone has to be. Treat others like you want to be treated, even when you have been mistreated alot.
Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.
Do not judge. There are enough out there to do that. Keep an open mind.
What has happened has happened; you cannot change it. Think of ahead.
Make mistakes but not a same mistake twice
Forgive yourself for your mistakes.
Dance the pain away.
You won't always be the strongest or fastest. But you can be the toughest.
Never gloat.