What I’d Like My Daughter to Know

Project coordinated by Riki Goldstein

There is so much we pass down from mother to daughter, both consciously and subconsciously. But what of the words we want to say but can’t find the right moment to offer them?

Here, women share what they would like their adult daughters to know. Will your daughter want to make the same rotations of suppers or use the same shades of lipstick that you love? Probably not. But will she, at some point in her life, be receptive to the values you’ve lived by?

We think yes.

…on Friendship

Give more than
you take, but don’t
be a doormat.

—Cheved

Your family should be front and center in your life, but I’ve learned that friends are important, too. Choose friends who support you, respect you, and help you grow into the woman you want to be.

—Batsheva

Be the reason someone smiles. You can’t be best friends with everyone, but you can smile and say hello to everyone.

—Libby

Try not to
discard old friends
when life gets busier. Be loyal and make the effort to keep up, even minimally. My old friends are some of the treasures in my life.