This may sound so pathetic and naive but I feel like I don't know my 14 year old daughter. The reason it may sound pathetic and naive is because I knew her so well up until a year ago. And then she just changed. I look back at my life and try to remember if I changed that much in such a short span of time. I know that I changed a lot but I think it was really so much more gradual. The change in my daughter was just "slap in the face" quick. From the time of her birth I truly did have the teenage years in the back of my mind almost always. So why so shocked and unprepared? I just don't get it and I have to say I'm disappointed in myself. How do you take care of yourself and your teenage daughter at the same time? It seems like it should be instinctual, but it hasn't been with me. The words always come out of my mouth way to quickly and I spend all my days thinking about what I should have and could have said after the fact and that is just draining. Just feeling so overwhelmed and looking support and guidance wherever I can find it! Sorry for the whining and thanks for reading.
What exactly is going on? Teenagers tend to start pulling away from their parents and looking more toward peers at this age for support and to establish their identity and social network. What is your daughter doing that is so shocking?
From what I've been noticing with my 13 year old son, kids do change A LOT when hitting their teenage years. I think the changes you've seen in your daughter could be normal. Let her know that she can talk to you. Expect her to tell you something when you ask her about her day. If you don't already, start having regular outtings (i.e. a snack at a coffee shop or a walk in a park) with her where you both try to reconnect some.
Is it her first year in HS? That would explain a lot... But yeah.. It would be nice to have more details on what she's doing.
need ideas on activities to do together with my teens
Appropriate or Asking for trouble?
- coffeegirl73
on Feb. 8, 2013 at 10:23 AM