The other day, my 2-year-old boy burst out in tears when I sharply told him "No!" as he attempted to jump on the ukulele he was playing with. My daughter went over to him and comforted him. She said, "It's OK, buddy. Mommy loves you and she loves that instrument. You have to understand that she doesn't want you to break things. You could get hurt."
When her 5-year-old sister reacted strongly in the negative to the dinner they were served, she said, "I know this is healthy for me, so I'm going to eat it. I think I'm getting more reasonable now that I'm turning seven."
Indeed, she is. I am cherishing this "space between." She still wants me near, to cuddle close, to climb into bed with her and sing her a lullaby each night. I know things will change in a few years. I remember going from loving to hating my own mom; my intention is to have an entirely different relationship with my own daughter. Healthy, loving, open, accepting, yet with firm rules and expectations for behavior.
How have you seen your relationship change with your daughter during this age? What's the best parenting choice you've made with your "tween" daughter or that your own mother made with you?
Oh, how time flies!
