My daughter brings me an endless amount of joy. Watching her little personality develop into the intelligent and funny little woman that she is both amazing and terrifying. Sometimes I look at her and see my own face looking back at me. It’s startling, really, to see how many of my mannerisms she has picked up. Seeing those faces always makes me wonder what other characteristics of mine she has watched, learned, and made her own.

Logically I know that she is absorbing just about everything that I do at this age, it’s just what two-year-olds do. They soak up everything around them like a sponge. So I know that she is taking in both the good and the bad. As such I’ve been worried that she will pick up on my insecurities and unsteady confidence. She’s pretty independent and strong willed now, but she’s two so the trick will be to continue to continue to support her independence and confidence as she grows. With that in mind, I have been making a more concerted effort to be the woman that my daughter thinks I am and to be the strong and confident mother she deserves, but it’s hard. Everyone needs a little confidence boost to get through.

Some people put on some makeup and high heels and feel ready to take on the world, but I feel truly on top of the world in my Nissan Midnight Edition. Honestly, it’s hard not to. When I’m driving I feel in total control. It seems that my daughter picked up on that and decided to give her trike an “upgrade”. What was once a pink trike is now painted black “just like mommy’s”. She’s been driving around the neighborhood like she owns the place.

I may not always be a perfect mother or role model for my daughter, but I’m learning to Be One as I go and trying my best. If my daughter learns nothing else from me, I hope she holds onto that confidence and spark. Life has a way of making you question your confidence, but if her current little personality is anything to go by, I don’t think I have anything to worry about. Parenthood is hard, but as long as I can make my daughter’s life even a little bit easier I’ll have done my job.