Thing 1 is a tween. She spent 4th grader learning about all that is going to happen to her and her body in the next few years. A lot of it isn't that exciting. Once, when perusing an American Girl book on changes that girls go through, she told me that she had to stop in the middle of the book. "Those last few chapters, mom? I am NOT ready for that."
Well, me neither.
But apparently she has done her reading and we have done some talking. But no matter how much of either you do, it never prepares you for the real thing. This past weekend, we were out and about with Grandma and an auntie. We were window shopping and after leaving she was sulky. It wasn't like her--she doesn't really ask for or seem to want a lot so I asked her what was up. "Mom! You know my emotions are all over the place. I don't know why I am feelings this way. YOU should know that!"
Ok.
And last night, she was unsettled going to bed. The dance of needing this and wanting that was making my teeth grind. In exasperation I said, "What, exactly, do you want from me?"
"A little reassurance would be nice."
Yeah...that directness? She got that from me.
I am not crazy for being scared and we are merely at the beginning.
Oh, I am right there with ya'! The 5th grade "horMOnees" have struck here as well. I tell her that she is a normal 10 year old girl...and then I want to run the other way!
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