Despite the relative chaos surrounding the holidays right now, I still derive some amount of comfort knowing they will be over soon – although, I don’t know if that is the same for adolescence. Kenza is only ten and a half, and yet it seems she is a hormonal and emotional roller coaster these past few weeks.
On some days I’m her best friend and on others, I’m trying to ruin her life. I’m not allowed to hug her or hold her hand in public anymore. And her name is clearly Kenza, not Roo, not Kenza Roo, not honey bunny nor sweetie. It’s Kenza and that’s final.
Call me optimistic, but Runner Susan having PMS and Kenza going through puberty is close to the worst possible experience as a parent I have encountered so far. Does it happen so suddenly for everyone? I need to get a book or do some research because I need to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Or Shopper Susan needs to come out of retirement and drink a few dozen martinis and get a side of botox along the way.
Oh honey, I have 2 girls and I am dreading those days. I have a feeling my hubby is going to be buying a “hunting shack” of some sort in the next few years.
We all get through this. I have 2 girls and we are all the bestest of friends – now. My oldest was close to me unless we were in public until her senior year in high school when she was oh so superior and unkind. I just sucked it up knowing she had to cut the cord somehow.
My youngest was so crotchety as a 10 and 11 year old that adolescence was a breeze.
I have a friend whose daughter turned into what she referred to as the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Bitch the second she got her period. She’s a wonderful, responsible adult now but those were some tough years.
So it just depends. The good news is it only lasts for a few years no matter how bad it gets and in some cases it never gets all that bad. Just remember that no matter how offensive she behaves she loves you and needs you. There is a book by a woman whose daughter also did the TMNB routine called “Hold me Close – Let me Go”. The author’s name is Adair Lara and you can find it on Amazon. Reading that might help although truth be told I never had. I’ve met the woman,. though and today her problematic daughter is a law school graduate and an outstanding person and they are very close.
Merry Christmas, Susan! No, they don’t grow smaller 🙂 She is a beautiful young lady. I know you are so proud!! When she gets older, you will always be her best friend.
Merry Christmas, Susan. I can’t say anything about kids in puberty, but I can vouch for the fact that they grow up incredibly fast.
Susan, my son is about the same age. He started that stage at the age of 9 and feeling “too macho” to get a hug in public by his mom. My daughter’s only 5 1/2 and cringe at that moment. They grow up too damn fast!
I had two boys, both grown. On girls I am no help.
One boy told his mother “everything” until he dabbled in the usual unmentionables. The other was a wily coyote but years behind his peers, just like his dad. They both turned out very fine .. so far.
If keeping your distance from the daily routine like I did is any indication K will be fine. However that was balanced by a mom who jumped their case every night about homework and chores. That worked too.
Bottom line everything works out. Just allow for the craziness to drive you crazy now and then. Then go for a run. That’s why we’re here.
don’t listen to all those optimists. it lasts til they turn 21. gird your loins. be strong. drink.
🙂
I am not looking forward to those days at all! It makes me even happier that I am having a boy…having 2 girls might put me over the edge when they get that age! 🙂
10 1/2? Ohmigosh I thought she was at least 13!
Oh no. This is just the start. She’s not even a teenager yet 🙂
oh pshaw! i say get some tacky puffy paints and a bedazzler and make some hideous outfits. storm into her room (they love that) and say, “it’s these outfits every time i go to school functions OR it’s kenzaroo. you decide. feeling lucky?”
Wow, I can’t believe that is Kenza. I know it has been a few years since I have seen ya’ll but wow. She looks so mature and like a super star. Ask her to teach me how to pose.
Let me know what you find out. Maybe you can publish some cliffsnotes on teens.