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Navigating Adolescence: A Father's Heartfelt Advice to His 12-Year-Old Daughter

Published: at 09:37 AM

College of San Benildo-Rizal (CoSB-R)

Our Dearest Argi Denise,

Time flies. You’re twelve now. Growing up so fast. We watch with pride. Your kindness shines through. Your understanding grows daily. Being your parents fills us with joy beyond measure, a gift we cherish with every breath we take.

Life’s throwing a lot at you. Big changes are coming. We’re moving soon. You’re starting Grade 7. New school, new friends. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? Questions swirl in your mind. About who you are. About what you believe. About your place in this big, complex world. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s normal to be unsure.

Remember this: you’re not alone. Your family stands with you. We face this together. United. Strong. We’re here. Always. To listen. To support. To guide. To love.

Now, let us share some thoughts. Bits of wisdom we’ve gathered. Through years of making mistakes and learning. Of falling and getting back up. Of living and loving. Take what feels right to you. Leave what doesn’t. This is your journey, after all.

  1. Embrace growing up. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s slow, like a flower slowly opening to the sun. Give yourself time. Be patient. There’s no rush, no deadline to meet. Enjoy discovering who you are, with all its ups and downs.

  2. Be true to yourself. As you meet new people, as you face new challenges, remember who you are. Your beliefs. Your passions. Don’t change just to fit in. The world needs your special light. Shine bright. Be you. Without apology.

  3. Your body’s changing. It’s natural. It’s beautiful. Honor these changes. Be kind to your body. Feed it well. Keep it moving. Listen to it. It’s the only one you’ve got.

  4. Get to know yourself better. Look deep into your inner world. Write in a journal. Create art. Move your body. Talk to friends you trust. Share your thoughts and feelings. It helps you understand emotions better. It builds confidence.

  5. Be kind to yourself. When you stumble, when you fall, pick yourself up gently. Dust yourself off. Learn from what happened. Keep moving forward. Being strong isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting up every time you fall.

  6. Speak up. Stand up for what you believe in. It takes courage. But what you say matters. It can make things better. Be honest and fair. Listen to other people’s ideas. Try to find common ground. Even when you disagree, you can still be respectful.

  7. Choose good friends. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself. Who like the real you. It’s better to have a few true friends than many fake ones. Real friends are treasures. Take care of those friendships.

  8. Stay curious. Ask big questions. About life. About the world. About everything. Thinking carefully about things is a superpower. Use it. As you learn, remember that our differences make life more interesting.

  9. Thinking about what you believe is a personal journey. It’s okay to have questions. To feel unsure. Our family’s beliefs have been our guide, but you get to choose your own path. Look for wisdom. Be kind. Find what gives you peace and purpose. Keep an open mind and heart. Respect what others believe as you figure out your own beliefs.

  10. Family is your foundation. When we annoy you (and we will), try to understand. We all have our struggles. Deal with disagreements patiently. With forgiveness. By talking openly. Together, we grow stronger.

  11. Your bond with Desmond is special. He’s starting Grade 1. He’ll look up to you more than ever. Be patient. Be kind. Set a good example. Include him. Guide him. Your relationship will give you strength and joy for your whole life.

  12. As you pack for our move, remember this: you carry more than just things. You carry our love. Your strength. Your potential. Exciting new beginnings are waiting for you.

Argi, you’re becoming an amazing young woman. This journey will have good times and hard times. But you have the wisdom and courage to handle it beautifully. We believe in you. Completely.

Our doors are always open. For questions. For talks. For anything you need. Your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences - they matter. We’re here. Always.

With all our love, pride, and never-ending support,

Mama and Papa