Parenting a Tween and Dinner for Two

In just a few weeks, I will be a mom to a tween.  Imagine that!  Just like any growing girl, J is stuck in that awkward phase of too young to be a lady, but to old to be a baby.  

 Suddenly, her friends have taken a more important part in her world.  Just over the summer break, she had been constantly asking permission to go out with her swimming team-mates for movie dates and nail-spas - with an increasing frequency that is sometimes too much for comfort, prompting her dad to tease her to not grow up too fast.  Add to that, she has also recently gotten an invitation from a classmate for her first sleep-over party, which has caused me to pause several times mid-day as I ponder on the wisdom of allowing her.

Now, more than ever, I need to be a big, constant, and primary presence in her life.  She is straddling the fence of adulthood and childhood, and I want to be able to show her my support and offer a much needed balance as she goes through that transition.  So while I support her increasing participation in wholesome social activities, I also make sure that I am closely standing-by to rein her back in should she suddenly have the need to be protected physically and emotionally.  

I realize that the relationship I encourage and nurture now will lead to a more open and trusting relationship in the future.  I am a firm believer that there is no quality if there is no quantity.  Our kids will only allow us to influence them if we spend a lot of time with them.  The closer the relationship, the greater impact we will have on them.

As for me, I am joining and keeping my fingers crossed for this would be another good opportunity to take my eldest daughter on a girl-bonding/dinner date. 

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