"Darling, I'm sure you'll be given your own little rule book from school, a list of things to do and not to do. And we'll read that together. But I also want you to give this a once over. And decide for yourself what to take from it, if anything at all.

3. Don't be yourself.

The entire world will tell you to be yourself. Don't. Be anyone you want, any day of the week, any hour of the day. Be a princess, be a frog, be a rocket, be the wind, be a rock, be an island, be one of those characters from Doraemon. Keep experimenting, keep evolving, keep surprising everyone. Keep surprising yourself.

4. Cry.

If you really want to, let it out. It's cool. Never be embarrassed. It's fine if other kids are watching, don't let that bother you. If you need help, seek it. Tell your teacher what's troubling you. If she can solve it, she will. If you think she can't, ask to speak to either Ma or me.