Living with a 12-year-old girl is like navigating a rollercoaster of emotions, where the sweet, singing child transforms into a dramatic whirlwind before the breakfast dishes are even cleared. As we both journey through our respective life phases—her on the brink of adolescence and me wrestling with the realities of midlife—we occasionally find common ground. While I sometimes wonder if I need to act my age (whatever that even means), it turns out we can bond over everything from nail polish to the ups and downs of friendships, creating some of the most memorable moments together.
Here are 10 ways this 40-something mom is surprisingly similar to her tween daughter:
- Skinny Jeans Dilemma: We both sport skinny jeans, yet I often question whether they’re appropriate for either of us. My fashionable pair might be deemed too tight by her standards, while her jeans? Well, let’s just say they leave little to the imagination.
- Battling Breakouts: Whether it’s her teenage zits or my midlife skin struggles, we both know the pain of an unexpected breakout. Hormones sure know how to throw a wrench in our beauty routines!
- Nail Polish Swaps: We love raiding each other’s nail polish collections. There’s something special about sharing those moments—whether it’s the music, the chatter, or the relaxing hand massages. Our current favorite shade? Sugarplum—a steal from Forever 21 at just $2.99.
- Unexpected Hair Growth: As we both discover hair in places we’d rather not, my daughter has the luxury of waxing, while I may need to consider more permanent solutions like electrolysis.
- Fictional Escapes: We share a passion for action-packed young adult novels with a sprinkle of romance. Who doesn’t love a gripping story about a girl who breaks free from the mundane, finds her strength, and saves the day? I can’t wait to watch the inevitable movie adaptations with her!
- Colorful Language: We both have a tendency to use words like “freakin’” and “crap” a tad too often. What started as a clever way to avoid cursing has escalated into a shared vocabulary that’s not quite suitable for polite company.
- Defining “Hot”: Whether it’s Deacon from Nashville for me or Gunnar for her, we both have our definitions of “hot.” When did she figure out that “hot” had nothing to do with temperature? And is Nashville really appropriate for a 12-year-old?
- Running as Torture: Neither of us views running as a fun activity. I vividly recall dreading gym class, and it seems my daughter has inherited that mindset. Who needs sore muscles when we could just rock matching Converse instead?
- Friendship Insecurities: Even as an adult, I still grapple with feelings of friendship insecurity, reminiscent of her tween worries. Thankfully, my experience allows me to guide her through these social struggles.
- Dream Supporters: My daughter is a talented singer in her school rock band, and I proudly cheer her on. Watching her perform fills me with joy, especially since singing is a dream we both share. Recently, I lived out my fantasy of leading an all-girl band with some fellow moms, and while she may have felt a bit embarrassed, she still supported me wholeheartedly.
Parenting a tween can be intense, but these shared experiences make it all worthwhile. As we navigate this phase together, I cherish the moments of connection, even if my jeans are a bit snug!
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In summary, while the journey of raising a tween can feel like a wild ride, it’s filled with unexpected joys and connections that bridge the gap between generations.