Updated: August 6, 2016
Originally Published: September 4, 2014
To my surprise, when my doctor announced the arrival of our third daughter, I couldn’t have been happier. Having grown up with two sisters, I was excited for my girls to share that same whirlwind of emotions and dramatic flair. Plus, we already had all the essentials for raising girls, which was a logistical dream come true. Our boy name was going to be Jamie, and I could just picture him coming home in a charming little pink dress.
But let’s set aside my imaginary son Jamie and dive into what I’ve learned about raising daughters:
1. Girls Can Be Just as Messy as Boys
Many people think that boys are the only ones who can be gross, but I assure you, girls are equally capable of it. My nephews are notorious for their bodily antics—farts, burps, and even outdoor peeing seem to be a rite of passage. Yet, when my little girl, adorned with bows, lets loose a seven-second fart at the dinner table, it’s hauntingly different. My eldest even mastered the art of farting on command, leading to some memorable incidents. I’m certainly not rushing to witness my 3-year-old parade out of the bathroom announcing, “Check out my giant poop!” I prefer a little mystery in our household.
2. Dressing Dilemmas
Choosing outfits for three daughters feels like solving a riddle that changes every minute, all while a timer ticks down. I’ve learned to avoid interfering in their clothing choices. My only job is to ensure they’re dressed and don’t smell like urine. “Remember, sweetheart, you chose this dress, and I paid for it.” But once they pick something, it’s a quiet retreat down the stairs to avoid upsetting their delicate balance of preferences. The cutest dresses often gather dust while less appealing outfits are worn until they’re threadbare. And of course, wardrobe changes happen constantly—before breakfast, after breakfast, as I frantically plead for shoes, and even in the middle of the night.
3. Beware of Glitter
Glitter is akin to an infectious disease in your home. It appears innocent enough, but once you let it in, it multiplies uncontrollably. You might think a sparkly headband is cute, only to discover you’ve worn glitter to a meeting, transformed into a sparkly beast. Treat anything with glitter as if it were a hazardous substance—dispose of it immediately.
4. Hair Tragedies
Hair is a battlefield. I often struggle with the chaos of post-bath detangling sessions. I once attempted a simple French braid and found it harder than expected. My daughter, flailing in distress, made me question my sanity as I clung to her hair in desperation. The thought of trying a fancy hairstyle is laughable. Chloroform might be the only way forward.
5. Body Image Pressures
It’s daunting to realize that my daughters’ self-esteem may hinge on my words. Recently, my daughter asked if her dress would make her pretty enough for her friends. I hadn’t prepared for this moment. I managed to reassure her that true friends care about character, not appearance. “Let’s focus on what matters: like cleaning up the flower beds,” I said, hoping to steer her away from the superficial.
6. Emotional Warfare
Boys might punch it out and move on, but girls take emotional battles to another level. I remember a massive fight with my sister that escalated quickly. A harmless prank turned into a full-blown war, leaving me nursing a pie-related trauma. The emotional intelligence of girls is formidable; they find creative ways to express their grievances.
7. Fancy Overload
One evening, my daughters decided to put on a “dance show.” They emerged wearing every sparkly outfit and glittery accessory they could find, transforming our living room into a scene that felt illegal. The innocence of their performance was mixed with a surprising level of sass. “Did you teach them that?” my husband asked, shocked. “Of course not!” I lied, knowing I might have inadvertently influenced their newfound flair.
8. The Joy of Girly Fun
At the end of the day, engaging in girly activities like nail painting, dance recitals, and dress-up is pure joy. Sure, boys can join in the fun too, but there’s something uniquely delightful about the world of girls. I realize that soon enough, they’ll prefer hanging out with friends over spending time with me. Yet, I cherish these moments, knowing they’ll soon be too grown up to share these experiences.
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In summary, raising daughters is an adventure filled with surprises, laughter, and lessons that are both outrageous and rewarding. From dealing with their messy antics to navigating their emotional worlds, every moment is a testament to the beauty of girlhood, even amidst the chaos.