She brims with curiosity, enthusiasm, often joy. She has an independent spirit to nurture, values to shape. And through every step, it’s her mother—who knows just how she feels—who is her guide. From Melissa Harrison, because only a mother knows, and Harry Harrison, author of the chunky bestsellers Father to Son and Father to Daughter with nearly one million copies in print, comes Mother to Daughter , a pithy book of wisdom and inspiration.

Divided into sections including The Bonding Years, The Awkward Years, Girls and Success, Girls and Spirituality, and (of course!) Girls and Boys, the book offers one succinct lesson per page.

Fun stuff: Have a skipping contest. This is especially good for when you need to get somewhere fast.

Passing down tradition: Share stories of your mother and grandmothers with her. Remember, girls are keepers of the flame.

Focusing on the big picture: Understand that for girls, independence usually starts with hair. Ask yourself, how important is it really if it’s blue?

Setting moral examples: Let her see you give of yourself unselfishly. Not just your money, but your time, your patience, and love.

Nurturing self-sufficiency: Teach her how to change a tire, use an electric drill, mow the lawn. She should never depend on some guy to do it for her.

Finally—Tell her how much joy she’s brought into your life. And when it’s time—Let her go.