Gosh I'm so proud of this girl. That seven-year-old thing really hit her hard, and she has been pretty hard to get along with for some of this year. The persecution complex, the strong independence, the over-boisterousness with little people, the desire for privacy and alone time coupled with utter misery any time she *is* left alone (because she's lonely!)... It has been a long few months of frustration for her.
But a cloud has lifted. She's so much happier and easier to be around. She's wanting to help out again, and enjoying her sisters' company. It feels like a different house when this loud outgoing girl is at peace with herself. I suspect it will always be so, and my mama heart quakes when I think on those teenage years ahead of us.
You know what, I really do enjoy her company. She really is my *friend*, and I don't care about any stupid societal hang-up with saying that word about our children.
Can I just say, though, no matter how many days in a row I feel like she hates me and everything is just plain hard work... I'm STILL proud of her. She is amazing, bright, wild, beautiful, creative, and assertive. I'm glad she can tell me when she's having a bad day, I'm glad glad glad she craves my time and company and wants to be involved in everything I do. I'm glad we get to spend so much time together. In the long run, anyway, because in the long run it's so easy to put aside those dark little cloud shadows and see the sky. Wild, open, free.
:) I know that this has been a difficult time for you and Jenna. I am glad that there is some light at the end of this tunnel now. She is such a special little person and I hope that you may always be friends. My mum and I are definite friends, and it's a special relationship.
ReplyDeleteJust absolutely beautiful as always
ReplyDeletehugs san x
This is a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI too, am unashamedly 'friends' with my kids, and I have a very fiery, almost-nine-year-old who I adore and am so thankful for, but I can relate to having periods of struggle, and periods of peace with her.
I had a really bumpy year with my seven year old (now 8 1/2 year old) There was a lot of frustration on both sides. It is a real transitional age full of changes. It is almost like they are struggling to emerge from the chrysalis of babyhood into greater independance and it takes so much extra energy and confidence to make the leap.
ReplyDeleteAll your girls look so beautiful!
Such a lovely post, and such happy news. :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the encouragement and sharing the good and bad days. :) :)
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