The thing about parenting that always gets me is that as soon as I think I have figured a child out, they go and do a 180 on me so I have to go back to the drawing board and start all the figuring all over again.
It can be exhausting.
Now that we have passed through the potty training and tantrum phase (big sigh of relief!… oh wait we are about to do it all over again!), we still have other phases we are in that can be as equally daunting.
Friendship conflicts. Body image. Emotions. Self- awareness.
I am particularly finding my lovely, ten-year old daughter a fascinating mystery. One that I just can’t seem to figure out some days. So what is a Mama to do?
Usually my default mode is to go straight to books for information from trusted and experienced professionals and experienced parents. But the other day it occurred to me that the best person that can give me insight on my daughter’s life and heart is who else but my sweet daughter herself.
So I sat down and wrote her a handful of questions in the journal that we share together. I was completely blown away with how well she was able to communicate herself. Which was such a great reminder for me to spend more time just talking to my girl. She is happy to share her heart, and she was willing to share her answers with you all. Perhaps ten-year old’s aren’t such a mystery after all…
1. What do you LOVE about growing up?
I love all the privileges you get as you grow older. And then when you look back you feel good about how much you have grown.
2. What do you find hard about growing up right now?
Even though you get more privileges, you also get more responsibility. I find that I get more and more work as I get older. I look at my little sister working and look at myself working and there is a big difference. Sometimes I just want to be young again and it makes me want to cry.
3. What are your fears?
I am scared of losing my family. You and Dad losing your jobs, being homeless and dying.
4. What do you love to do with your family?
I love to go out with them. I also love just sitting on the couch watching tv and eating. I love sitting at the table and talking too.
5. What would you like Mommy and Daddy to know about you?
I like ALOT of attention. I also like quality time with you guys.
6. What are your dreams?
My dream is to dance on stage the rest of my life. My other dream is holding my new baby brother or sister in my arms…
7. What would you like your teachers to know about ten-year olds?
We don’t like to sit down all day. We like moving around. We need a snack time. We don’t have all the time in the world to do the homework we get. In other words we have things to do and we don’t want a bunch of homework.
8. Is handling conflict in your friendships hard?
YES! Because not everybody understands you. We all have different thinking and you won’t know what they feel all of the time.
9. What makes you sad?
People being mean to each other. Wars. People dying. People getting hurt. People fighting. People bullying others. People bullying me.
10. What do you need more of from Mommy and Daddy?
More quality time with you. More snuggling. More hugs.
-Bella , XO
Growing up from a ten-year old’s perspective is hard! I found that we share a lot of the same worries and the same fears. However, I am older and better equipped to handle the more heavy issues in life. It was amazing insight from my girl.
It worked so great with my ten-year old, that I am also going to do it with my nine-year old and five-year old. For moms desiring to get a deeper peak into their children’s heart I encourage you to make your own interview for your little one. I believe that you may be surprised with what information you learn!
