Mom of Preteen

[pat]

Yep, I'm the mom of a preteen. DD will be 12 in July. This has got to be the most difficult stage of her growing up so far. One minute she's my baby, the next she thinks she's 16. Errrrr The other day she was really dolled up, hair curled, the whole 9 yards. I looked at her going into school and said to myself, I've got trouble on my hands. She was a knockout. Needless to say, I haven't fixed her hair any more this week. :p I really do think this is a hard time for her too. She's not quite sure who she is or where she fits in life yet. As for me, I'm playing it low key and doing all I can to keep her thoughts and behaviors from maturing too fast. I constantly remind her that this is the time of your life, don't rush it.

Anyone else fit in here with me?

[Mrscornbread]

Pat, I don't have anymore girls at home, but I have been where you are now. I remember once Danielle fainted in gym class and they called me. When I got there she was full of green eye shadow and mascara! :eek: Before that I had forbidden her ti wear makeup,,,forbidden her to grow up really. After that, we worked out a compromise.

I have Shane at 14m stuck somewhere between adoloscence and manhood and it is tough on me most days. I just have to have the same faith that he will grow up as responsibly as the others.

Ryan is a great kid and you should be proud Mama :p

[pat]

Robin,
Do you see a big difference between Shane at this age and your dd at this age?

I've had so many tell me that raising boys is easier but I'm not so sure. I'm just glad that I've only got the 1 to take care of. I often thank God that she wasn't a twin!

[jlxian]

My son and daughter are 12 and I've struggled with my daughter a lot. So far, my son is still fairly easy, but I see the signs that the struggle with him will begin soon.

My daughter is not, thank goodness, interested in dolling herself up yet. But she is going to be a handful when she does. She is naturally very headstrong (like her dad!) and also a whole lot smarter than I am..... I do not look forward to the teen years with her. She and I have power struggles for the most part.

My son is still pre-puberty, but I don't look forward to that stage at all! Fortunately he and I are pretty close and he saves all of his important discussions for me.

It is a big struggle and each day I feel frazzled.