Hey there, my fabulous trio,
Life with you guys has been quite the wild ride recently. Honestly, you’re driving me a bit bonkers! One second, I’m floating on cloud nine when you hold my hand entering the grocery store, and the next, I’m feeling a little crushed when you push my arm away. Sometimes, you remind me just how small you still are when you cuddle up next to me on the couch to share your day, only to dash out the door later, looking like a squad of party-ready women.
I’ve learned not all those tween girl stereotypes are true. It’s not all doom and gloom, but I never expected the waterfall of tears that followed my simple request for you to change into something nice for dinner. And those eye rolls when I ask you to tidy up? Wow! It’s clear that when you say “fine,” it doesn’t quite mean fine anymore—it feels more like a silent protest.
I get it. I was once a pre-teen too, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (you know, before they coined the term “tween”). I remember longing for independence while still wanting my mom there to take care of me. I totally understand where you’re coming from.
But here’s the deal: we need to set some ground rules as you navigate these upcoming years.
Prepare for Embarrassment
First off, prepare yourselves for my inevitable embarrassment. I’ll be the one doing the Running Man at your school events and rocking my ’70s Afro wig on Halloween. Expect me to sing along to those Teen Beach Movie songs you’ve made me listen to (sorry, not sorry), and I’ll be capturing first-day-of-school photos until you’re fully grown and beyond. Embrace it or hide from it, but it’s happening! Just remember, you come from a long line of embarrassing parents—trust me, you’ll survive this.
Awkward Conversations
And yes, we need to chat about some awkward topics. I know you’re itching for the scoop on love, relationships, and all those body changes. It might get a bit uncomfortable, but I promise we’ll work through it together. I want you to have the right info to make smart choices. It takes guts to try new things, but even more to recognize when you might not be ready yet. I need you to be brave.
Your Feelings Matter
Your feelings are valid, even when I struggle to understand why asking you to shower can lead to dramatic meltdowns. I’ll do my best to take you seriously, despite how ridiculous it might seem to me. I’ll listen rather than jump to conclusions, and I’ll pick my battles wisely so when I do say something important, you’ll really hear it.
Digital Privacy
In our home, digital privacy has to be earned. Sure, you’re smart cookies, but the internet and smartphones can be sketchy territories. We’ll navigate that together.
Space to Grow
I also recognize that you need your own space. It’s a tough pill for me to swallow that I’m not the center of your universe anymore, but I understand you need that time to figure things out. Just don’t slam the door too hard, and I think we’ll be okay!
Friendships and Support
I’ll try my hardest not to meddle in your friendships, even though it’s hard to watch you get hurt. When you’re feeling down, I feel it too. It’s a constant battle for me to resist the urge to swoop in and protect you from everything, but I promise to step back and let you figure things out—just know that I’m always here to support you, even if it means letting you stumble a bit.
Respecting Decisions
There will be times when you won’t like me. It’s tough for me to say no when I know others are saying yes. As a tween, you’re making quick decisions, while I’m thinking long-term. You might not appreciate my choices now, but I hope one day you’ll respect them.
I’ll always believe the best in you because we all deserve a little grace, especially during these hormonal years.
And speaking of grace, if you’re curious about navigating life changes and relationships, check out this post for more insights. And for all things related to home insemination, you can find great resources like this one from Make a Mom and this informative guide on pregnancy week by week.
In summary, this journey through your tween years will have its ups and downs, but I’m here to support you every step of the way. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, and we’ll grow together. Just know, I’m always cheering you on.