Parenting
The Many Faces of a Tween Girl
by Jamie
Updated: Aug. 8, 2017
Originally Published: Dec. 12, 2015
As a parent of a tween, specifically a girl, I’m embarking on a journey that can only be described as a rollercoaster ride. My mission? To simply survive these tumultuous years. When she turned 11, I confidently thought, “How hard can this be? She’s just one girl.” But as she approaches 12, I’ve come to realize she embodies not just one personality but seven distinct personas, each ranging in age from toddler to grown-up!
- The Bestie (Age 35–40)
This version of my daughter is my ultimate companion. We indulge in manicures, sip lattes at our local café (always on my dime, of course), and she lends an attentive ear to my troubles. Though her visits are rare, when she pops in, it’s like a heavenly choir sings. - The Darling (Age 6)
This sweet little angel is a joy to be around. She loves cuddles and showering affection with kisses. On certain nights, she climbs onto the couch just to express her love for me. Unfortunately, her appearances are as infrequent as those of the Bestie. - The Mischievous Twin (Age Unknown)
This little troublemaker often makes her presence known in the late afternoons. She bears an uncanny resemblance to the Bestie or the Darling but, when engaged, unleashes a torrent of sass that can send anyone running for cover. Beware, she sometimes surfaces in the early morning hours too! - The Know-It-All (Age 11–20)
This persona believes she has mastered all things. Her vocabulary is limited to a single phrase: “I know.” It’s a challenge to convince her otherwise, and her independence is both impressive and exhausting. - The Grown-Up (Age 18–22)
When she channels this version, she’s remarkably responsible. She takes on tasks without being asked and engages in adult conversations that make me proud to call her my child. Sadly, this mature side doesn’t show up often enough! - The Toddler (Age 3–5)
Often mistaken for the Drama Queen, this version treats even the smallest inconvenience like a life-threatening situation. Once, she insisted on a trip to the emergency room because she accidentally bent a strand of hair! - The Drama Queen (Age 10–20)
This character is very similar to the Toddler but doesn’t require an injury to feel like the world is crumbling. A missing hairbrush or a pair of clean jeans can trigger her dramatic flair. What’s worse? She can seamlessly switch back into the Mischievous Twin without any warning.
So, these are the personalities sharing space in my daughter’s body—at least for today. I’ll keep you updated if any new characters join the mix as she approaches her 12th birthday.
Lord help us all!
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In summary, parenting a tween girl means navigating a complex landscape of ever-changing personalities. Each day brings a new adventure, and I can only hope to keep up!