Raising girls (even boys!), a tween and teen at that, is not as easy as counting 1-2-3. It takes plenty of humor, a huge amount of love and trust, and a strong will that everything will be okay. You see, my husband works miles away from us. We get to be together once a year, and that’s the only time he sees them on a day to day basis, for a month. In real life, parenting must be dealt with both the parents. Otherwise, it’s only the mother or the father who has to take all the pressure when or in case something unfortunate happens.
I could be very strict to them but I guess it’s just normal just like any other caring mother would. They have house rules to follow with no excuses or they get reprimanded. With my teen, going out with friends is still a no-no, unless an adult or a parent is also with them. However, I am open to her school friends and classmates coming home to pass time, and “do projects” together. I serve them snacks and at times, I try to have a conversation with them, so they can openly tell me things, and perhaps fish info haha!
You see I can also be the coolest mom anyone would wish for. I weigh things evenly and try to adjust to how kids behave and react to things these days. Both started talking about crushes and I gladly listen to what they say. I share giggles with them and then explain what needs to be told, with constant reminders.
Just like the rest, we also have our own episodes of misunderstandings, especially now that I have a teen to understand more. As to how it should be done, I try to handle it with care while still sticking to my house rules. I talk to them like an adult. If they can’t tell me things straight to my face, I let them write whatever they feel. That works for us.
When I feel it is too much already, then I just think it’s the generation gap to blame. Seriously, it’s all about listening and communicating with them from your heart.
Despite it all, I feel I’m the luckiest woman on earth because I get to take care and love these two precious unconditionally.