Navigating life with a 12-year-old girl can feel like living with an emotional whirlwind. One moment, my sweet, singing daughter is happily showering, and the next, she transforms into a dramatic, eye-rolling force of nature, often ending up in tears before breakfast is even over. I find myself shifting from the supportive parent to one who draws the line and back to the empathetic understanding mom. The mood swings can be draining, but amidst the chaos, we sometimes connect on unexpected levels. As she tiptoes into adolescence, I find myself grappling with midlife, both of us uncertain about what “growing up” truly means. Our paths cross in delightful ways, whether through shared laughter, eye-rolls, or warm embraces. While I occasionally question if I should behave more “age-appropriately,” bonding over nail polish, young adult novels, and the intricacies of friendships makes for cherished moments. Here are ten ways I, as a 40-something mother, am reminiscent of my tween daughter:
- We both sport skinny jeans and question whether they’re appropriate for each other. My jeans are stylish, while hers seem almost painted on. Did she really just comment on my fit?
- We both battle breakouts that leave us feeling less than fabulous. The hormonal rollercoaster shows no mercy, regardless of age.
- Our nail polish collections often collide. There’s something special about painting nails together, complete with music and chatter. Our latest favorite hue? Sugarplum—available for just $2.99 at Forever 21.
- We’re both discovering hair in unexpected places. My daughter can easily wax her new fuzz, while I’m eyeing electrolysis options.
- We share a love for thrilling young adult novels filled with adventure and a sprinkle of romance. Who doesn’t enjoy a story about a brave girl who escapes her mundane life, becomes empowered, finds love, and saves the day? Movie night is a must!
- We both tend to overuse words like “crap” and “freakin’.” My clever way of avoiding swearing seems to have rubbed off on her—what now?
- We both describe the attractive characters on our favorite shows as “hot” (I’m all about Deacon from Nashville, while she’s Team Gunnar). When did she figure out that “hot” isn’t limited to temperature? Is Nashville appropriate for her viewing?
- Running is our mutual nemesis. We both view it as a form of punishment rather than a joyful activity. I remember exactly when PE became a chore, and frankly, who can blame us?
- We both experience insecurities about friendships. Even as an adult, I still worry about my social life. The difference is that I’ve navigated these waters before, allowing me to guide her through her own challenges.
- We motivate each other to chase our dreams. My daughter shines as a singer in her school band, and I’m her biggest supporter. Recently, I even got to fulfill my fantasy of performing with a group of moms at a fundraiser. She cheered me on, even if she was a bit embarrassed.
Parenting a tween is a wild ride, but it’s the moments of connection that make it worthwhile, even if I’m occasionally caught with my own fashion faux pas. For more insights on navigating parenting and relationships, check out this other blog post here. Additionally, if you’re seeking guidance on artificial insemination, be sure to visit Make a Mom and IVF Babble for valuable resources.
In conclusion, finding shared experiences with my daughter not only strengthens our bond but also makes the tumultuous journey of parenting that much more enjoyable.