And so it happens...Sometimes crap just flies out of my mouth.
I have a teenage daughter. It's challenging. She challenges me. Actually, to give credit where credit is due - she is the main reason for my growth - personally and emotionally. But, growing isn't easy and it most definitely isn't constant. Sometimes I step back into my own teenage shoes and go toe to toe with her on issues and that's what happened today. She wants something. I don't think she should have it (based upon my ultimate parenting wisdom). End of discussion, right? After all, I am the parent. I have spoken.
It doesn't normally happen that way. Yeah, who am I kidding. I don't think it ever happens that way. She fights me tooth and nail, I fight myself, I fight her back... and then something stupid happens. I say to her, "When you have children you'll understand how difficult this is." She says to me, "Maybe I won't get married and have children." And then, my ultimate parenting wisdom goes out the door and I say, "Good, because it's a terrible experience."
OH MY GOD. What a stupid thing to say. Um, back-up, reel the tape back in... erase, erase...whoops.
She runs out the door (after my ultimate parenting wisdom) crying... Ugh. Double ugh...
Thankfully, she ALWAYS has her cell phone with her. I text her to come home. I tell her she's not terrible, she's a blessing. It's the arguing that's terrible.
I hear the front door open a few minutes later. Sigh... She's home. Thank God.
Oh, man! I've been there too, but mine isn't quite old enough to remember...better learn this lesson now before she's a teen...'cause she'll be a stubborn, strong-willed one just as I was. Your story puts my own mother's comments to me at that age in perspective, though the way you immediately repaired it was exactly what a child needs. Thank you for the momma lesson!
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