To My Tween Daughter,
I’m sorry you have to make your bed, filled with organic bamboo and cotton sheets as soft as butter – topped with a Pottery Barn duvet and monogrammed matching sham. (I know the six throw pillows you begged me for are daunting, but put them on the bed or pay up!)
I’m sorry you have to be kind to your little sister, who loves, adores, and worships you.
I’m sorry you have absolutely nothing to wear and have the worst clothes ever.
I’m sorry you feel that everyone in our family hates you, the feeling is sometimes mutual.
I’m sorry you are literally the only kid in school that has this much homework.
I’m sorry you are not allowed to slam your door anymore.
I’m sorry you’re not allowed to have a phone and an Instagram account, it’s just not happening.
And I’m sorry your emotions are up, and down, and all around like a bottle rocket. Trust me I get it.
This transition in your life as a tween is incredibly difficult, teetering on the edge between childhood and the teens.
Your eyes still light up at the thought of a trip to park, or a family bike ride. And you still magically believe in Santa Claus, the Elf, and the Tooth Fairy, yet you’re obsessed with The Voice, makeup, and texting. You are full of so much talent, creativity, and empathy, but are struggling so much with new discoveries in the world.
You now know what frenemies are and have experienced your first fight with a friend.
You’ve felt the disappointment of receiving your first low grade at school, and you are learning that not everything and everyone you encounter is full of the good or is as easy as you once believed.
But let me tell you a little secret, whether you like it or not…I will always be here for you.
Through every eye roll and attitude-filled comeback.
Through the tears that fall even though you don’t know why you are sad.
Through the tantrums that remind me that you are still so young.
Through your issues with friends, your dad, or your sister.
Through the heartache when the boy you like moves.
To my tween, I will always be here for you.
I will listen when you need to vent.
I will hold you and let you sob, understanding that sometimes you just need to cry it out.
I will give you all of my love, understanding, compassion, and support you the best that I can.
I will always cheer you on, even when you fail because in those moments you will truly grow.
I will tell you every day how grateful I am to be your mom because you gave me the greatest gift in the world, you made me a mother.
And I will always be your home.
And no being your mom isn’t easy, it sometimes sucks pretty hard too. But it’s also the best thing that ever happened to me, and you make me laugh, and fill me with joy every single day. As we navigate this new phase we will do it together and we will do it with love.
Well…as long as you don’t lock me out of your room.
This post originally appeared on KristenHewitt.com