Dads, Say These 10 Things to Your Daughter Every Morning
By Eleaya Neveah
I'm a daughter, so I can tell you this for sure: we remember what our dads say about us.
When I booked my first job, my dad had tears in his eyes. I wrote about it in The Day I Booked My First Job. That day I knew how much he believed in me.
But a girl shouldn't have to book a job to find that out. She can hear it every morning. It takes about 30 seconds.
10 things to say to your daughter
- "I love you, and nothing that happens today can change that."
- "I'm proud of you already." Say it before she has done anything.
- "You are smart. Use your mind today."
- "You are beautiful exactly the way you are."
- "Your voice matters. Speak up."
- "You can do hard things."
- "It's okay to make mistakes. That's how you learn."
- "You don't have to be like anybody else."
- "Be kind, and don't accept less than kind from anyone."
- "I'm here. Whatever happens today, come tell me."
How to make it stick
- Pick a spot. The front door, the car, the breakfast table. Same place every day.
- Look at her. Put the phone down for those 30 seconds.
- Start with one. You don't need all ten. One a day is plenty.
- Say it on the hard mornings too. Those are the days she needs it most.
No dad at home? A grandpa, an uncle, a coach, or a mom can say every one of these. What matters is that she hears them from someone who means it.
What it does
When somebody tells you who you are before the world gets a turn, the world has a harder time changing your mind. I walk into auditions knowing I'm loved whether I book the job or not. That is why I can smile for real.
Keep reading
- For moms: Moms, Say These 10 Words Over Your Daughter Every Morning
- For kids to say themselves: My Daily Affirmations: Words Every Kid Should Tell Themselves
- Today's entry in my daily series: Daily Affirmations of a Child Model, Day 1
- The story behind this post: The Day I Booked My First Job
- Something fun to do together: KPop Mirror, my free K-pop dance practice app
Know a dad who needs this? Send it to him.
With all my heart, Eleaya Neveah 💖
- #affirmationsforkids
- #dailyaffirmations
- #morningaffirmations
- #dadsanddaughters
- #girldad
- #raisingconfidentgirls
- #positiveparenting
- #kidmodel
- #eleayaneveah
Keep exploring
My credits
- 2025String Ring commercial
- Aug 2023CBN commercial, Virginia Beach (Liquid Talent)
- Apr 2023Children's Hospital of Richmond commercial (Liquid Talent RVA)
- Feb 2023Tanya Taylor Kids Collection, New York (model)
- Jan 2023Tanya Taylor Photo Shoot, New York (model)
- Jan 2023The Therapist, a Storytellers Production film, Richmond (role: Rita)
- NBC12 Toy Drive for Home Again shelter, Richmond (spokeschild)
Casting directors I'd love to work with
I'd be so honored to read for these amazing casting directors who tell Black stories on screen. I'm available in the DMV, Atlanta and North Carolina!
- Rhavynn Drummer — Tyler Perry Studios
- Kim Coleman — The Six Triple Eight, Madea's Destination Wedding
- Robi Reed
- Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd — Sparkle, Jumping the Broom
- Southern Casting Associates — Tyler Perry Studios calls
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