Oh, the inevitable has come to pass. My dear tween children, who once saw me as their superhero, now seem to view me more like a human vending machine—just there to dispense snacks and cash. I had heard tales from seasoned moms about this phase, but I secretly hoped I’d be the exception. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. My kids are officially mortified by me.
Gone are the days when my kids clung to me like I was the only anchor in a stormy sea. Now, a simple text from a friend can calm their nerves better than I ever could. The few times I’ve had to step foot into their school (which they treat like a tragedy), I receive strict instructions that go something like this:
- Don’t say a word to anyone.
- Avoid making eye contact at all costs.
- Absolutely do not talk to my teacher.
- Under no circumstances should you hug or kiss me.
- Please don’t introduce yourself to my classmates.
- Definitely avoid delivering my lunch late.
- And whatever you do, don’t try to chat with my friends or other parents.
Sigh… It used to be:
- Can you volunteer in my class every single day?
- Will you bring in special treats for my classmates?
- Can you lead the math group this week?
- Please come on all my field trips!
- Can you bring our new puppy for show and tell?
- I want a hug and a kiss as you walk me to class!
- Can you join us for lunch?
Oh, how the tables have turned!
I admit, I may be guilty of some of the things that induce their embarrassment. I’m the mom who enthusiastically waves and shouts, “I love you!” from the car window during drop-off. I’m the one cranking up Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” a tad too loudly during pick-up. I’m the mom who shows up unexpectedly at school just to catch a glimpse of my kids in class. And yes, I’m the one who arrives in old yoga pants and a messy ponytail.
It hit me hard when I began to notice the eye rolls, the whispered complaints, and the outright refusals to make eye contact. The worst was when my son pretended he didn’t know me; his teacher literally had to ask who I was!
I’ll also admit, my conversation topics can sometimes be… questionable. For example, while waiting in line at orientation with my daughter, I casually mentioned how the salon lady suggested I start waxing my arm hair. I could see her shifting away from me like I was a celebrity in a bad movie. “Mom, can we NOT talk about your arm hair here?” Oops. Maybe their embarrassment is justified, but come on, I’m still their mom. Shouldn’t they be running to me for hugs, no matter how old they get? Apparently not. Bummer.
Still, I cling to the hope that this phase will pass and they’ll one day realize I’m not so bad after all. Well, today, I experienced a rare moment of redemption! My son surprised me with a sweet kiss on the cheek as he said goodbye this morning—right in front of the school! And my daughter even gave me a hug as she hopped out of the car. Yes! Maybe there’s hope for this mom with the questionable arm hair!
For those of you navigating similar challenges, remember that even the most embarrassing moments can have their silver linings. And if you want to read more about family dynamics and parenting tips, check out our privacy policy here.
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Summary
The author humorously reflects on the transformation of her relationship with her tween kids, who have shifted from adoration to embarrassment. She shares her experiences and acknowledges the bittersweet nature of this phase, while holding onto hope for future affection.