Is it just me, or do the teenage years start earlier than they used to? Eleven-years-old seems to be too early to deal with the full onslaught of attitude, boy-craziness, and general teenage angst...but...it has arrived, full force. Hormones are going wild, and I appear to be the target. Was I really this obnoxious at that age? Wait...don't answer that.
I will give her credit where credit is due...she can be very witty. Her brother doesn't stand a chance when it comes to a battle of insults and comebacks. I, on the other hand, have years of experience, a degree in Communications, and some pent up angst of my own in my personal arsenal.
Unfortunately, I am also the adult. So, tempting as it is at times, I need to fight the urge, when she threatens to run away, to help her pack.
There are new, conflicting emotions....one part of me can't wait for her to grow up and move out...the other wishes she would go back to being that cute, innocent child that used to dance in the living room with me to my Irish music and never grow up. The one that still respected and loved me.
I'm not sure what went wrong. Did I feed her after midnight? Did she drink Jay's science experiment in the fridge, thinking it was Mt. Dew? I'm not sure...but I do know she has undergone some serious mutations.
How, as a parent, does one endure these next few years of abuse? I suppose locking her in the basement until she is 18 is out of the question.
My only consolation is that I must be doing something right if she hates me this much...and that she will probably love me again...when she has kids of her own. Until then, I must remain calm...find my happy place...and remember...."it's just a phase....it's just a phase..."
Wait, you mean that wasn't Mountain Dew?
ReplyDeleteHang in there. (((hugs)))
I think you hit the nail on the head with your last paragraph.... you must be doing something right if she hates you so much. Like Trey said, hang in there, it will turn around. I wish I could tell you when but each kid is different.
ReplyDeleteOh boy. I can't wait (I hope Teresa doesn't put me through as much as I did my mom). Speaking of my mom, "Shelly Belly" was actually me in yesterday's comment...my mom's account was still logged on.
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