jenB1's Journal

When my daughter was young ... really young ... It was easy to be a Mom with the right words of advise. I could bandage anything, knew how to handle illness, could solve any math homework issue, was right on the money in choosing clothing, and always carried gum.

She is now 15. My advise is seldom heard (much less sought), I can still handle illness, Can't understand the math, have to negotiate wardrobe issues - but still carry gum.

The funny thing is, when our kid's get to high school - we can remember how it felt to get hurt by a girlfriend, or the pangs of pain when the young man of our dreams broke our heart. We can relive issues through their eyes ... but now that we actually have something to say - they're not listening.

My girl is the best. Best of the best. I trust her judgement (for the most part), and like her friends. I like her. It's just that now - when I know what turmoil is in her life - I have to stop being the friend, and be the Mom. I have to let the rope out a little at a time, and let her navigate on her own. Watching from the beach - and not from inside the boat.

That sucks.