One of my daily priorities is to build a harmonious relationship with my daughter. Of course, that doesn’t mean I always succeed—oh no, there are quite a few days when I blame myself for losing patience or for not having the time, energy, or mood to give her what she needed in that moment.

Don’t be fooled by parenting blogs where it looks like everyone knows exactly what they’re doing and are teaching others the guaranteed recipe for success. The truth is, we’re all trying just as hard. Every single day.

The most important thing I’ve learned on this amazing and transformative journey is endurance. Nothing helps more—truly—than simply sticking with your good intentions. No matter how many times you mess up, having the strength to start over each day, and try again. And again. And again. Until the end of time.

If I really think about it, endurance might just be the key to success in any area of our personal or professional lives. Sure, it’s a tough recipe—maybe even a boring one—with lots of ups and downs. But then again, nothing truly worth having comes easy.

As I was saying, because I’m actively involved in raising and guiding this little human I’ve been entrusted with, I try every day to weave simple but deeply important lessons into our communication.

Now, don’t think it’s that easy—like we say a few nicely chosen words in a gentle tone and voilà! The child learns the lesson and we move on. Nope! For a child to be truly receptive—and ideally to even remember what we’re saying—a lot of planets have to align perfectly: they need to be well-fed, well-rested, in a calm environment without too much stimulation, and not struggling with any emotional or physical discomfort. You know… those extremely rare moments throughout the day.

Buuut, we were talking about endurance, weren’t we? So, with stoicism, plenty of coffee, and a little magnesium, I hold strong—and whenever I catch one of those rare golden moments, I try to speak to her about things that are simple, but so essential to me. Things I truly believe will help her in life.

1. You don’t have to be perfect

Example: If your drawing doesn’t look exactly like the one in the book, that’s okay! What matters is that you had fun creating it, and it came from your heart.

2. Asking for help is strength

Example: When a puzzle feels too hard and you ask me for help instead of giving up, that’s being brave and smart—not weak!

3. Having a bad day is okay

Example: If you feel like crying or don’t want to talk much today, that’s okay. Everyone has those days—even superheroes!

4. Kindness is free

Example: Saying “good morning” to the neighbor or giving your friend a turn on the swing doesn’t cost anything, but it can make someone’s whole day better.

5. Tomorrow is a new day

Example: If today didn’t go as planned—maybe you got into trouble or felt sad—tomorrow is a fresh start, like a clean sheet of paper ready for a new story.

6. Small steps are also progress

Example: Even if you only read one new word today or tied one shoe all by yourself, that’s progress! Every little step adds up.

7. You are loved and worthy

Example: I love you just because you are you, not because of what you do or how well you do it. Just your smile in the room makes everything better.

8. People love and appreciate you

Example: Your teacher smiles when you arrive, your friend waits for you at recess, and I think of you every moment I’m away—you’re more special than you know.

9. It’s okay to start over and try again

Example: If your block tower falls down, you don’t have to be upset. You can rebuild it—maybe even stronger than before!

10. Making mistakes is part of life

Example: Everyone gets answers wrong sometimes or spills something by accident. Mistakes help us learn and grow—they’re like little teachers in disguise.

11. Your boundaries are important

Example: If you don’t want to be tickled or hugged, it’s okay to say, “No, thank you.” Your body and your feelings matter.

12. You are more than enough

Example: Even if you didn’t win the game or get everything right today, who you are inside is already amazing. You don’t have to “do” anything to be valuable.

13. Beauty & strength come from within

Example: Being honest, kind, and brave when something is hard—that’s real beauty. Strong hearts shine brighter than sparkles!

14. Saying “NO” is okay

Example: If a friend wants to play a game you don’t like, or someone asks you to do something that feels wrong, it’s okay to say “No.” That shows courage.

These lessons may seem simple—almost too simple. But the truth is, many of us only begin to understand and apply them well into adulthood. I’m in my thirties, and I’m still learning how to love myself fully, how to set firm boundaries, and how to believe that I am enough, exactly as I am.

That’s why it’s never too early to start planting these seeds in our children’s hearts. Because while we offer these gentle reminders to them, something healing happens for us too. Our inner child, who may not have heard these words often enough, begins to feel seen, valued, and safe.

So let’s speak these truths out loud—not just for our kids, but for the little versions of ourselves who still need to hear them.

Warm regards,

The Red Fairy

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