I have actually thought of this since I became a parent. I hear stories of parents dying when their children are young. I struggle with this; in how to educate and advice my kids on life. But, without the burden of losing their innocents.

I can still remember the day I woke up and realized there was more to school, friends, and family. The world was a big place, with a lot of problems in it.

I would tell me daughter- her hair color doesn't matter. A matter of fact if you color it every month; it will never grow out nicely how you want it. You'll have to cut it constantly because of how damaged and dry it is.

Her boyfriend in high school will not be her last one. Don't settle and don't focus on your heart ache for too long. It's amazing how much you grow as a teenager, and how much you stop growing when you start dating.

Find "You" first.

After you find "you" don't make any apologies for who you are. Don't lose self respect being a people pleaser. Again, don't settle. If you don't agree with something, find the right one.

With that being said- don't go making wars just to make wars. This isn't a license to be a brat or.... you know. Either way, master the art of diplomacy. Don't burn your bridges- unless absolutely necessary and you're prepared to face the consequences of that.

Stand up for your beliefs. Politics, religion, civil rights- who you think will win survivor. Whatever is most important to her. Again, the art of diplomacy- she better be respecting other people’s opinions.

Families get torn apart. They also can go back together. Life is about changing and growth. Sometimes there are times of emptiness. It's okay to find family in your friends too. However, don't seek out approval or comfort from anyone. Some people will hurt you more, then you were hurting already.

Don't have sex until you're married. This has nothing to do with religion, politics or STD's. It has to do with self worth. Every time you give your heart away, you take away from the heart that you'll share with your life partner.

You don't have to get married. Life will not end if you never marry. You don't need to find a lover either. Find a soul mate. Find yourself.

If she ever has children, I would advise to at least wait 2+ years in between kids.... not 15 months. Give yourself some time. Infants are babies for long... I promise.

Do your homework. It's the easiest job you will EVER have. Don't get straight A's to get them. Get the grade to learn.

Go to College. Get a degree even in general studies. A degree is a degree is a degree. If you have kids by the time you get to school- go anyway. Your father and I did.

Travel as much as you can. Some day life will go to fast to take a slow down for a vacation. Don't buy a brand new car as your first car. Interest rates are way too high, and so are the payments.

The first year you have a job- put at least half of your paycheck into savings. End of story. Unless you can't feed, or house yourself. Do this until you graduate from school (college or high school); make yourself a nest egg for emergencies, and plan for buying a home someday.

Never max out your credit card. Get a prepaid one.

Learn to forgive, I don't expect you to forget. Life is too short, to worry about the small things, or the wrongs that have been dealt to you.

Volunteer somewhere- at least twice a month. It's a cure all for the blues. Do something nice for someone when you feel down, or low about yourself.

Don't choose a religion because I want you to. But do be a spiritual person. Find truth in what you find to be true. Question the man, and always show respect. If you're going to be Catholic- find the truth in why you believe it. If you're going to be an evolutionist- you better know Darwin's theory up one side and down the other. Know what you believe. That's all I ask.

I could keep going. Maybe that’s the biggest piece of advice. You won’t know until you live it. That is part of life. Advice is only as good if it’s taken. But you won’t grow without learning on your own too.