She came to me tonight and asked if she could go to a sleep over to a girl she barely knows, I told her I would think about it because I like time to prepare my answer. I am not ready for that type of night out yet, if I knew the girl and her family I might be inclined to think differently... however; I am very protective of Valentina and Cindy is even more so.
Being a mama is rewarding and difficult at the same time... I wouldn't change having either of my daughters, I have been extremely blessed. Besides Andrea told me that I should put my foot down early and not let Valentina get away with what she did. I tend to agree but then again Andrea turned out pretty great and she can think for herself and make very good choices. Of course Valentina is a lot younger in her maturity than Andrea was at the same age. Two very different children, each with their own challenges and each with their own rewards.
I am trying to walk that fine line where I don't push Valentina away but that I don't smother her either. That's the toughest line to walk, also, it is not the most popular line to walk. One of the things I do expect from Valentina that I didn't stress enough for Andrea is a little respect... I understand frustration as I get that way myself but I don't want anyone, least of all my children disrespecting me.
I can not imagine how hard it is to be a parent. Fact is every kid has times when they think they should get to do things their parents won't let them do. My mom had a magic ability to help me make the decisions she would make for me. Lol, but bottom line is kids sometimes make bad choices. I'm sure your daughter knows you make choices for her safety. One of the reasons I would never want to be a parent.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jamie, it is tough being a parent and not something I think anyone should do unless they really want to. I am grateful that I am though, having my two daughters was something I was supposed to do;)
ReplyDeleteboy do I hear you. Sometimes Launna b/c of what happened to me....I am too overprotective of my girls. I'm afraid for them.. The only thing that helps me....is knowing He promised to keep them safe. Still....I struggle with letting them go too far. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHope I have my own turn to be parent one day and it is good lesson for me how one should be and go about with kids.. And the last quote is inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteIt's tough all the time Nikki, thank you for your comment;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sangay, I'm sure you'll make a great day some day :-D
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a great parent to me, and even if she doesn't realise it now she'll realise as she grows up that you're only doing what's best for her xxx
ReplyDeleteParenting is indeed a difficult task, but it sounds like you have things balanced well. We do need to try and protect them until they are old enough to make proper decisions.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte... I'm a good mama but I make mistakes like anyone else... I hope it doesn't affect my child... most mamas think like this...
ReplyDeleteThank you Daisy, there is that fine balancing act where we protect our children but also give some freedom...
ReplyDeleteYou know I saw this picture other day, where there were two kids, one pampering an iphone and the other a bird. There's a lot of difference is what is taught, the love of power or the power of love.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post. Strong message.
Thank you The Purple... I love that, the power of love or the love of power... there is a difference:-D
ReplyDeleteI am actually terrified by the thought of Ellie's teenage years. If she will be anything like me, that's going to be the toughest time of my parenting days. I, like you, try to give her as much freedom as possible but being so overprotective comes in my way, a lot of times.
ReplyDeleteI trust you, more than myself, that you'll take the best decisions for Valentina, you've raised one daughter already and did a great job.
Awe Petro thank you, I admit that those teenage years are the hardest of all... Andrea may have been a bit rough but she did turn out wonderful... I sometimes think I am more over protective now than I used to be... :/
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