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My Wish for Akilah

This post is sponsored by Scholastic.

Do you remember who you were before the world told you who to be? It is my wish for Akilah to never forget. To never let this imperfect world that demands perfection strip her of her bubbly, carefree spirit. She is the daughter of a little girl once carefree, who quickly became engulfed in negative opinions and feelings of not belonging until deciding to break free of expectations that did not serve her.

Being a woman comes with its nuances. Navigating this world takes courage and resilience that needs to be nurtured early on. I could be upset about what I wasn’t taught as a child, but I am grateful to have learned some incredible lessons along the way. Some that other women, unfortunately, don’t learn until midlife.

It’s my duty to as a mother to pour into Akilah, be the example that she needs, and equip her with resources that will enrich her life. We are reading the cutest, most important little book for girls everywhere called My Wish for You by actress Kathryn Hahn. Inspired by Kathryn’s 6-year-old daughter, My Wish for You is a love letter to daughters everywhere, encouraging young girls to always be themselves, no matter what the world tells them.

What I love about this book along with the gorgeous illustrations and diverse representation of little girls is the emphasis on self-care. I mean who, twenty, thirty-something years ago were being taught to take time for themselves, whether taking a long bath or spending time alone in their room? Those things were looked down upon. Hog the bathroom and use up all the water? Tuh. Close bedroom doors or spend too much time in your room? No, ma’am. I mean… I wasn’t raised that way but I’ve heard a lot of stories where those things just wouldn’t fly. We all need personal space and time to unwind… children do too.

There’s a passage in My Wish for You that also touches on asking for what you need. How many of us women continually sweep things under the rug, drown in commitments without speaking up and advocating for our needs? Why is asking for help so hard if it truly takes a village? We need to move past all of that being judged for being vulnerable non-sense and just ask. Akilah will know that she is safe in the trusted circle that we are cultivating for her. She will know that in the mound of no’s, she will find an abundance of yeses. Most importantly, she will understand that she is more than enough and all she needs to make her wishes come true.

MY WISH FOR YOU

By Kathryn Hahn
Illustrated by Brigette Barrager
Recommended for ages 4-8

Synopsis

Inspired by the everyday life lessons of raising her own six-year-old daughter, author and actress Kathryn Hahn creates a heartfelt and touching meditation on the inherent power every girl has deep inside herself. Here is a timely and necessary message of the intrinsic importance of being who you are, no matter what the world tells you. To be curious, strong, and vulnerable. To live life on your own terms. To always look for that sparkle!

My Wish for You is an empowering gift for grandmothers and mothers, daughters and friends, to treasure and cherish for years to come.

Ramona

Monday 22nd of October 2018

I love this. I'm adding it to my gift list for my niece. Thanks for sharing. I had never heard of this book before your post.

Toiia L. Rukuni

Monday 22nd of October 2018

I really love books that have positive messages for our young girls! Thank you for sharing this awesome post!

Ola

Monday 22nd of October 2018

Your photos beautifully illustrated your wishes for your daughter. I haven't read this book, but it sounds like it would be beneficial for many young girls. Learning how to communicate gracefully from infancy is a huge key to getting and giving the support needed.

Elle (CleverlyChanging)

Monday 22nd of October 2018

What I love the most about the book are the diverse characters that are represented. The message is a positive one that we should all hold dear.

Tonia

Monday 22nd of October 2018

Beautiful. Now is the perfect time for this book. Girls need to hear this message loud and clear!

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