My girls are going to be nine in one month. Nine. I wonder if thats the new '13'? Im watching them change right before my eyes. They're attitudes, not that they are bad, my girls are very pleasant. But they are becomign more outspoken and a bit more confident in discussing things with me and their dad. I feel like, even at nine, my girls are on the brink of changing into.... maybe not teens but 'preteens'. Yesterday the wind was blowing and my hair went all over the place and they stood down at the bottomof the steps in the line and were laughing and pointing at me. It was as if they got the whole class to laugh at me. They came up and made fun of my hair. It was wierd. Before now my kids were AWE INSPIRED by me. Mum did everything for them. Mum always looked beautiful in their eyes. Now, its like, 'Mum, those jeans make your bum look big'. Or they sit there and count all my grey hairs, count all my lines in my face. Before now, I was great in their eyes. Not so much now. I embarrass them now. Its wierd. Kind of cool, but a little bit scary. Anyone else relate?

gen

Gen, your post cracked me up!
I wish I could say I can relate but I can't. Raegan (although 11.5) hasn't really been like that. I have to nearly start pulling her hair to get her to be truthful to me when I ask her about outfits. She always says "that looks nice". ugh!

The biggest problem with Rae is when she is tired she is just unbearable and the crying for NO REASON! Tears with a reason, yep I can handle. Tears just because of tears...sigh

Gen, I just cannot believe how much they have grown over the years. Hard to believe they will be 9!

Aw, Gen I can see why that makes you feel the way it does, but honestly, I think they are at an age where it becomes important to "be cool." With being a young-ish mother, they probably extend that to you, and want you to "be cool" too. I'm still the apple of my son's eye, but I know over time, that will change... It is funny at work, some of the kids think this one pair of pants (black baggy windpants) are so cool while I am embarassed to be in them, and my "Cheetos" shirt, they think it's great! Let me dress a little nice/presentable and they are like "Miss Andrea, where are you going today?" I humor them and often dress down; it's more practical anyway as I get extremely dirty at work, doing art and playing outside... You could involve the girls sometimes in your wardrobe choices/hairstyles, if nothing else it might be fun and entertaining to see what they think "works" !!

My older girls are now 11 and 10 and I've noticed a change in their attitudes towards their parents and towards the world at large. They are definitely more critical, more observant, and a bit more emotional. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the day. They are torn between what they want others to perceive about them versus who they really want to be as individuals. Also they feel no longer like little children and have put most toys away (which is sad for their mom) but they know they are not teens yet either. Some days they seem to act as though they're 'stuck' in the middle, and I guess they are.

But, it's been fodder for some great discussions and I actually enjoy seeing them decipher the world a bit based on their own beliefs and experiences as opposed to just digesting mine, ya know?

My dd didn't start "fashion consulting" until she was older. I have one old pair of Mom jeans that I wear to do yard work, etc. and she keeps threatening to get rid of them. She has a great sense of style so I do ask her opinion. (Not that I always follow her advice, though. :mrgreen:)

lalala *fingers in ears* I'm not listening lalala

I refuse to go there.

LOL

Sorry Gen. I know there must always come the time when you are no longer *it* in your children's eyes. It's a tough time for all involved.

Just keep the lines of communication open. That will go a long ways, I do believe.