What To Expect When You’re Expecting a Girl
Girls, they’re in a whole different league than boys. Though boys and girls both have similarities in some ways like rolling around in the mud and playing sports, there are also many things that are different and unique. If you’re a brand new mom ready for your daughter or you’re a mom of boys waiting for your first girl, there are many things to think about and get excited about. And if nobody has yet, let me say I am beyond excited for you! The world of motherhood is so special!
As a mother of five daughters, there is quite a bit of estrogen roaming around our home. I have this girl mom thing on lock, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Your Mini Me
That girl comes with an innate desire to be just like you. You and dad are her heroes and her first love. As she grows up, you will begin to see how she does what you do and say what you say. Be mindful with your words and actions, as you have the power to raise an amazing human.
When she sees you cooking, she will want to cook with you, especially if it’s something delicious. If you’re getting ready for a date with dad, getting makeup on and finding the perfect dress, you might find her trying on her dresses and asking to borrow some of that makeup. Often you will hear the words “I wanna do what you’re doing, mama”. If she sees you caring for yourself and others, she will wanna do the same. However, if you are unkind to yourself and others, she might do the same. Weighing yourself every morning or negatively commenting on someone’s appearance are things she will pick up on.
If she hears kind words out of your mouth, she will likely also want to speak kind words. If she hears you building people up instead of tearing them down, she will also.
As a hairstylist my daughters have all at times wanted to be like me giving pretend haircuts. If they even see you with a fresh haircut, make sure all scissors are out of reach, or you’ll end up with chunks of their hair all over the ground.
The Bond With Dad
Girls have a unique bond with dad. It’s so special and precious and to be quite frank, inevitable. They desire for a close relationship with their dad. For him to want to spend time with her, to play with her, to tell her she’s capable of anything and beautiful. Nobody can build her up or tear her down like a dad can.
The term daddy’s girl is a common phrase for a reason. Girls know they can use this to their advantage too. They will bat their little eyes, give hugs and kisses, or say “pretty please daddy” and dad’s are mush. Dads desire to give anything and everything they can to their little girls. When a daughter receives love, advice or help from their dad, they feel so loved, but more importantly they feel secure. A good relationship between a dad and daughter is incredibly important. No matter how old that daughter is, a good dad is always there. I myself still find myself asking my dad for help with things, and of course he always says yes. If you’re lucky enough to experience that, you know how special it is.
A dad is a daughter’s first love. She wants to be shown what she deserves in a man someday. She wants to know where to set her standards. Show her with how you love to set the bar high. Take her out on dates, spoil her from time to time, show interest in the things she loves, spend lots of time with her. You won’t regret loving her well.
The Girly Stuff
There are a handful of physical and emotional differences between boys and girls. As she becomes a teenager, so many of those things begin to show. Love her well through all of the changes that happen over the years and help her navigate them all bit by bit.
Girls are naturally a bit more emotional. I remember when I was a teen and I would cry for absolutely no reason and my dad and brothers would look at me confused. My husband looks at our daughters the same. Not that dads aren’t compassionate in those moments, but they just don’t get it. They don’t understand how we can have so many emotions from nothing.
Comfort her through the random or not so random tears. Dads, just know that sometimes all she really needs is a hug and that’s it. She desires to know she is safe in her emotions as they change and get bigger and more confusing throughout the years.
When it’s time to take her shopping for the girly things, let her know how normal it all is, and maybe throw in a joke or two. I tend to find jokes a good way for my girls to feel a bit more comfortable in all the things.
Girls are a Gift
They love hard, they hurt big, they have low lows and high highs. They have high pitched squeals and get really giggly at moments. They might enjoy sports, or getting messy in the mud, or not love the girly girl things in life. They might also enjoy dresses, bows, makeup, and be obsessed with the color pink. They might be quiet, they might be loud. Some days may be easy and others may be difficult. Sometimes they will argue with you over something extremely small and sometimes they might fight for something significant and good. Your daughter may experience injustices in the world and she also might realize the beauties of being a woman. Your daughter might be sensitive or she might be hard headed.
No matter what, she is going to be such a special and amazing gift! Girls are all different and special in their own ways. Enjoy her for whoever she becomes. Love her well and enjoy the journey!
