Grace for Our Girls: 5 Principles to Guide Our Daughters {Guest Post & Giveaway}

Happy Monday, friends! In our past three years of blogging, we've met a number of amazing women with similar visions and passions. We're thrilled to feature one of those sweet friends today, the amazing Amy L. Sullivan, who is talking about five principles to help guide our daughters AND we're giving away a copy of her NEW book! (details below...)

I have one daughter making her way through middle school (stubborn lockers, multiple teachers, and important decisions about the dreaded lunchroom). Oh my. And I have one daughter starting first grade (new friendships, long bus rides, and math which includes fractions). Oh my.

As I watch my girls learn to navigate the world, I know one truth: growing up girl is no easy task.

While reading Grace for the Imperfect Mom: A 31-Day Invitation to Refreshed Mothering, I was reminded not only about the grace I need to extend to myself but about the grace I need to teach my girls.

Teaching grace seems strange, bulky, and hard to carry. Maybe teaching grace feels awkward because it isn’t like teaching your girl to tie her shoes or brush her teeth. There isn’t a final product to look upon and admire.

However, teaching our daughters about grace is invaluable.

Below you will find five principles outlined in Grace for the Imperfect Mom that easily can be applied to our daughters, and I listed conversation starters for you and your girl. It’s my prayer that these conversation starters will provide a foundation for conversations with your tween or teen girl (or a girl who is important to you) as she learns to experience grace and lean on God.

Principle #1: You are wanted.

·      Do you remember a time when you felt as if you belonged? Can you think of a time when you have felt left out?

·      How do you know God wants and loves all of his people?

Principle #2: You are enough.

·      What’s a time you tried and failed?

·      How did failing make you feel?

Principle #3: Life is a wild ride.

·      Can you think of a time when you were scared and you had to trust God?

·      What are small things you can learn to trust God with daily?

Principle #4: Learn to roll with it.

·      Discuss a time when you thought a problem was a big deal and in time you learned it was a little deal.

·      Is there something small you find yourself getting upset about frequently? What is it?

Principle #5: Be quick to apologize.

·      What does it mean to be “defensive”?

·      Think of a time you apologized. How did apologizing make you feel?

Let’s remember to show ourselves grace today, and while we are at it, let’s commit to teaching the young girls in our lives to do the same.

Amy L. Sullivan is the author of the picture book series Gutsy Girls: Strong Christian Women Who Impacted the World and the nonfiction, parenting book When More is Not Enough. She believes strong mommas raise strong girls. Connect with her at AmyLSullivan.com.

GIVEAWAY ALERT! This week, we're giving away one copy of Gutsy Girls: Strong Christian Women Who Impacted the World to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below, and you'll be automatically entered in the giveaway. Winner will be contacted by email and announced next week. ANNND -- today, the e-book of Gutsy Girls
 is only 99 cents -- don't miss out!