Despite her constant protests, my daughter doesn’t have a cell phone—believe it or not, I’m the last parent among her peers who is holding out against this trend as she approaches sixth grade. She’s also restricted from social media and often feels frustrated by my guidelines on PG-13 movies and her school wardrobe. At just 11, I remind her that childhood is fleeting and there’s plenty of time for all that later.
Nonetheless, she’s eager to explore new freedoms, and I want to accommodate that. Last summer, I took her to my salon for bright red highlights, and I’ve begun allowing her to stay home alone for short periods. When she requested to download Pinterest, despite my social media restrictions, I agreed on the condition that I could follow her account.
I’m genuinely grateful I did. As she matures, I realize that my glimpse into her world is limited, yet her Pinterest activity has revealed some surprising aspects of her personality.
1. Her Fashion Sense Is Impressive
As a toddler, I splurged on her wardrobe from brands like Janie and Jack and Mini Boden. Until she was six, she strictly wore twirly tutus and shunned pants. Then, she made a dramatic shift; it was all about jeans. These days, she prefers shorts and athletic tees, only donning dresses for special occasions. Our ongoing debate about leggings shows her desire to fit in with her friends, while I insist, “Do you really want to look like you just finished yoga?”
Now that she’s nearly my height, I secretly hope she’ll borrow some of my clothes or start curating her own unique collection. Following her on Pinterest has opened my eyes to her style aspirations. She curates boards filled with intricate nail art, trendy hairstyles, and even quirky earrings shaped like Nutella jars. It’s a joy to witness her artistic flair blossoming.
2. She’s More Mature Than I Realize
I’m fully aware she’s growing up, yet the girl at home seems more captivated by her collection of plush toys than by anything “teenage.” I catch fleeting glimpses of her teenage self during dance parties or when she texts her friends on her iPod Touch. Still, she curls up next to me every morning, seeking her daily hug.
Her Pinterest features a board labeled “Teenager Posts,” showcasing quotes like, “Do you ever feel an unexpected urge to clean your room or write a novel at 3 a.m.?” I chuckle at the thought of her ever being roused by inspiration.
3. But Maybe Not as Grown-Up as She Thinks
Another of her pins reads, “Hearing noises when home alone and accepting you’re destined to die.” After much persuasion, I let her stay home while I take her younger brother to gymnastics, but now I question her bravery.
4. We Share a Love for Movies
Her movie board is filled with Marvel favorites like The Avengers, which she adores. I knew that already, considering her collection of Avenger-themed stuffed animals. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see her also pinning titles like Pitch Perfect and Legally Blonde. Those are movies we’ve shared together, laughing through every scene.
Our bond has deepened through our shared reading experiences, too. We’ve started tackling the same books, allowing us to discuss stories from each other’s perspectives. Recently, we picked two novels—one classic and one contemporary—for our beach trip, turning it into our own little book club.
5. Her Humor Shines Brightly
She may roll her eyes at my jokes, but her sense of humor truly comes alive on Pinterest. I’m thrilled to find that we share a love for the same memes and funny posts, from Grumpy Cat to “You Had One Job” fails. With the teen years approaching, I anticipate challenges, but I believe that if we can both chuckle at “28 Cats Having a Way Worse Day Than You,” we’ll be just fine.
As we navigate these changes together, it’s reassuring to know that laughter can bridge the gap between us.
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Summary:
Following my daughter on Pinterest has provided a unique lens into her evolving personality. I’ve discovered her impressive fashion sense, her maturity, and even her shared humor as we bond over movies and books. As she grows, I look forward to navigating the teenage years together, armed with laughter and understanding.