You don’t have to convince me that raising daughters in a world of ever-evolving and trendy ideals is challenging! I feel the pull and strain and fight for the hearts of my daughters every single day. The summer moments that give us more room to take a peek into their hearts and shape or re-shape all that is forming in their spirit are fading, and fall swiftly sweeps in a lot of changes.

Fall means school, more extra-curricular activities and new friendships. You might begin to feel as if you are in a tug-of war with your daughters time, attitude and love. It is time for a pep-talk! I prepare for this all summer.

There is no denying that little girls do grow-up! I took the hard and rough-terrain road with our first daughter. This is not to say that there is an easier route or a short-cut, but I made the “ride” a lot bumpier than it needed to be. I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t prepared with any wisdom or for-thought. No one gave me a pep-talk. And I neglected to give one to my own daughter.

There are six more daughters in this home coming up through the ranks, and I find that a good ole’ pep talk may be seem old fashioned – but, it is a life-saving device for a stronger pull on your end of that rope!

So, what does this look like moms? Just…Get…Real. And I mean it. But, first – May I get real with you?

Ole’ Fashioned Pep Talk To The Mama That Is Hanging On Tightly

- Hang on tight to what is really important and loosen ( not letting go) your grip on the little stuff.

- Choose love. Read what love is in the Bible. Act this out with your communication with your daughters. Watch their reaction to you mirror this change. It is revolutionary!

- Know WHY you have values, rules and NO is important before you enforce them

- Do not be afraid to be the “mean mom.” This is where balance comes in. The pressure from your daughter or her peers may cause you to feel like you are standing alone.

- Respect is not a deal-breaker. Stay firm on the no-attitude, or your ground will be like sinking sand.

How to Give An Ole’ Fashion Pep Talk To Your Daughters This Fall

- Keep current with your discussions – Don’t bring up month’s worth of frustrations and concerns.

- Lay out the reasons YOUR family acts, speaks, dresses and lives the way that you do. According to God’s Word. Be open to communication in this area. Reaching the heart is your ultimate goal.

- Bring a mutual agreement to the table . Promising to come to one another when you struggle, need to address a concern, or feel there is an issue pressing in.

- Talk about how they want to “change things up,” this year. Clothing, friends, activities, etc. Being careful to show them the balance in freedom and responsibilities.

- Affirm they are growing up, and explain mutual trust, respect and love.

- Talk through how you will resolve conflict. This changes as they grow older. Time-Out’s, warnings, etc., are quite the effective, relevant tools for our daughters as they grow.

A good ole’ fashion pep talk will pave the way for a smoother transition this fall for everyone. Knowing what is expected and living in harmony this fall will bring great peace to you and your daughters.

Taking it to the next level: I LOVE creating special moments for my children! Along with our pep talks, I go the extra mile, to show them (and not just tell them) how MUCH I love them, and that I really am on their “side!” Our daughters are no different than us as women, growing to love and appreciate special, beautiful things.

Make it a Pep Rally – Prepare their hearts for the many changes that will be coming this fall.

You can do this mom! I am cheering you on from the sidelines!