When it comes to parenting, envisioning the challenges of your child’s tween and teen years can be quite overwhelming. Staring at that sweet, innocent little face, it’s hard to fathom a time when they’ll roll their eyes at you or declare that they “hate” you. But, rest assured, it’s a phase that will come, even if you’re living a royal life.
Recently, at a rugby match, Prince Alex shared his thoughts with reporters about life since the arrival of his daughter, Princess Lily, in May 2015. He expressed that things are going “very well” with his two young kids, saying, “No broken bones so far, but they are trying—running around, pushing things, and jumping.”
With a grin, he remarked, “Please tell me it gets easier,” but quickly added, “Lily is very easy.” Despite that, we all know that even the most agreeable baby can seem easy compared to the unpredictability of the tween years. Prince Alex noted, “But all the dads say to me, ‘Just you wait, when they get to nine or 11, they get crazy.’”
As a mom to an 8-year-old girl who has always been a sweetheart but recently developed a bit of sass, I can relate. Most days, she’s still that little girl who giggles at my silly songs, but on others, she’s quite the drama queen. Honestly, it does tug at the heartstrings a bit.
While Prince Alex’s comments may have been casual, they carry a weight of truth that every parent can recognize. The baby and toddler years are beautiful yet challenging, and we strive to cherish each moment. We love their innocence, the way they pronounce “liberry” instead of “library,” and even their tantrums in the grocery store. They are ours, and that’s a precious thing.
Soon enough, however, their focus will shift to impressing friends, and we might find ourselves far from being the coolest people in their world. They will still love us, but they’ll also start to share their hearts with others.
But there’s so much to look forward to in those tween years, for both boys and girls. Prince Alex can anticipate engaging conversations with his daughter, just like I recently had with mine about standing up for a friend who was being teased. As they grow, we learn what’s on their minds, and amidst the chaos, there’s plenty of joy to be found.
As Prince Alex wrapped up his conversation with the reporters, he optimistically stated, “I’m looking forward to it. There will be some drama.” And indeed, there will be—along with countless amazing moments.
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In summary, Prince Alex’s reflections on his daughter’s upcoming tween years resonate with many dads. The transition from babyhood to these new phases is filled with its own set of challenges and joys. While there may be drama ahead, the journey will undoubtedly come with lots of wonderful experiences along the way.