Mother Writes A List Of 'Don'ts' For Her Daughter And It's Something Everyone Needs To Read

One mother’s handwritten list for her daughter has struck a nerve far beyond her own home. Instead of the usual warnings about danger and misbehavior, Portland blogger Toni Hammer wrote a set of gentle, empowering “don’ts” meant to help her five-year-old grow up confident and unapologetic.

The post, titled “To my Daughter,” quickly spread online because it feels both personal and universal. It speaks to little girls, parents, and anyone who has ever needed a reminder to stop shrinking themselves for other people.

And once you see why it resonated, the reaction makes perfect sense.

To My Daughter,

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For all of those little people out there just beginning to learn about the big, bad world, it can be overwhelming and scary. Perhaps that's why this post has become so incredibly popular. Simple things like "Don't smile because someone told you to" or "Don't wear a dress if you don't want to" can mean so much to a young girl who is feeling pressured to be anything but herself. 

In true internet fashion, people are out in force to show their support for the post.

People had a lot to say about it.

It also echoes the woman who took a 50-day break from doomscrolling, then noticed major mental clarity.

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But there are also others who have their own opinions to share as well.

And that is where things got a little messier.

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After reading her “don’ts,” you’ll want to see how authorities warned parents about a 14-year-old’s fire-breathing challenge injuries.