I love my just-turned-16-year-old with all my heart.
But she’s a teenage girl. And I’m her mom. So right now, we’re about as compatible as Voldemort and Harry. Texas and OU. Seinfeld and Newman.
From all the books I’ve been reading, I’ve learned that it’s supposed to be that way.
It’s Perfectly Normal.
It. WIll. Be. Okay.
I know she’s just going through a phase. And she really does love me as much as I love her.
Yet…some days….hoo boy. It’s crazy. She’s just so….so….well, so sixteen.
It’s sullen and stubborn
and oh-so sarcastic,
silly and sassy
and sometimes just…spastic.
Storming and swearing,
occasionally savage,
snippy and sourpussed
(daily, on average).
Short-tempered, sharp-tongued,
and slanderous (maybe);
skeptical, sulky
and self-absorbed, baby!
Slovenly, sensitive,
slothful and surly;
sophomoric, sure –
and still-little-girl-y.
But above all: surprising —
those times when you meet,
and you have to admit that
sixteen can be…sweet.
.
©2013 Carlotta Eike Stankiewicz
The Well-Versed Mom 
Happy Birthday, Kate! (Good luck, Carlotta!)
xo,
B.
I will pass along your message to the birthday day girl. And keep my fingers crossed…
LOVE IT!!!
Yay! Thanks for reading.
It starts to get sweeter from here (it really does)!
Okay, I’ll take your word for it…
No difference with my 16 year old son. I ask around to find out how long this phase will last. The answer is depressing. I’m trying to tell myself that it’s supposed to be this way to prepare us for their departure. Doesn’t make me want to scream any less, though.
Yeah, I guess it’s an equal-opportunity phase, eh? Those books I referenced in the post (Wise Minded Parenting and Yes, Your Teen is Crazy) are a big help at explaining all the changes they’re experiencing, especially in their brains. And yes, that separation process is difficult. Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. And…good luck!
I’m going to order those books TODAY! Thanks so much!
Well, I’m only 11 years removed from 16 and I know I didn’t get along well with my Mom at all. We actually didn’t speak from the age of 18 to 25… (okay, wait, I meant for this to be comforting) but now I see her in a completely new light and realize all of the sacrifices she made, the difficulties she endured, and how selfless she is. So hang in there. 16 year olds are just terrible.
I had a super ridiculous adolescence and a penchant for running away to foreign countries so I’m sure your daughter won’t shun you when she comes of age. 🙂
Thanks, Aussa, for reading and taking the time to offer some words of solace. I keep hearing that it gets better and there’s light at the end of the tunnel — even if it’s five years down the road…