How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

The Pre-Teen Monster

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She has traded play mobile for karaoke.

Picks Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Hedley over Crazy Frog or The Wheels on the Bus.

Prefers Glee to the Wiggles.

Squeals over a Bench sweatshirt…down with Barbie?

T-shirts require bras. Good grief.

Sometimes she will still hold my hand in the mall, but I know those days are numbered.

Friends have become gossipy and fickle. Social status has become important…peer groups have morphed into peer pressure.

I thought when my babies got a little older, life would be easier. The joke is on me. Somehow it gets more difficult, more intense and complicated at every turn. You worry more then ever, watch each and everyday as your daughter, caught in that awkward place between girl and teen, struggles with the challenges puberty and life throw at her.

As this sweet girl is rushing to become a teenager, she continues to be my daily challenge.

A confident, defiant, expressive, whirlwind in one moment; a stumbling, eager, quiet thinker the next.

Bright and brilliant. Beautiful and creative.

On this incredible journey of parenthood, I will do my best to lead…she will try to make her own mark on the world. As a Mama, you do the best you can and hope it is enough. I will make sure she knows we are proud, she is loved.

I thank God for her each and every night.

Today my baby turns 12. This year I wish her health, strength, confidence, good friends, adventure, and true joy. I hope that all her dreams come true, and then she dreams some more!

You have changed my life forever…..

Happy Birthday my BlueEyed baby.

    • Comments

    2. You know, my mom used to say:
      “Small children – small problems. Big children – big problems”.

      I couldn’t understand that until I became very handful teenager…, and right now a mom… I totally understand her words even if my daughter is only 9 months old.

      Wish you luck, and lots of patience and love and just enjoy your daughter… Enjoy as much as it possible even if it’s hard!

      Hughs from my corner,
      Ewa

    3. Happy Belated Birthday to her! You are a good mom. Thanks for scaring me. I have trouble with my 6yr old, I can’t imagine what things will be like when she is 12!