High School Mothers & Daughters Online Evening with Emma Tabacaru

Our first online Mothers and Daughters Evening with Emma Tabacaru was a wonderful opportunity for connection, conversation and encouragement. With a fantastic number of families joining us, Emma spoke openly and practically about some of the big issues girls face while growing up — body image, puberty, periods, friendships, boundaries, emotions and the pressures created by social media and unrealistic expectations.

A powerful theme throughout the evening was that growing up is not about becoming perfect. Emma encouraged our girls to value who God has created them to be, reminding them that “He didn’t make you to be stunning. He made you to live a stunning life.” She challenged us to become “gold diggers”, people who look for and call out the gold in others by celebrating character, courage, kindness, creativity and achievement rather than appearance.

Emma also shared practical tools such as the 30-second rule: only commenting on something about another person if they can change it within 30 seconds; along with strategies for healthy friendships, setting boundaries and managing big emotions. Mothers were encouraged to model imperfection, honesty and repair rather than trying to have all the answers.

Perhaps the most important message of the evening was that growing up does not mean daughters leave their mums behind; instead, the relationship begins to change as they learn to walk alongside one another in a new way. Families were encouraged to create simple traditions that protect that connection, a walk, coffee date, movie night or regular time together.

Thank you to Emma and to every mother and daughter who joined us for such a meaningful evening. You have a village cheering you on, and you don’t have to do any of this alone.