There once was a time when everything my little girl put on was something I or someone who cares about her picked out for her. I think most parents do this for their kids, though I am not really sure when this stops for most parents. Time for us has changed and our oldest daughter is now 13. I blog about her a lot these days. I am fascinated by her and scared as well. Will our relationship go the way of many mothers and daughters I wonder, and worry? She inspires me with how sure she is of herself and her style. She has been teaching me things before she was even born and she is still teaching me.

 Letting Go Of Some Control

One of the things I think parents need to do to some extent is let go of control over their teens appearance. I say some extent because I do think a certain amount of modesty needs to be stuck to as a guideline. More and more though my daughter is picking her own clothing and soon she will be shopping without me all together. I let her color her hair, and she gets to pick many of the pieces she now wears. Things are changing though. I wonder does your teen shop without you?

   Spring Shopping

Our ever growing kids seem to need an ever growing supply of new clothing. Spring is near and so it is time for spring shopping. Rather than going to pick out cloths with my daughter we have talked about her going to the mall with $200 to do some shopping with friends. I might shop in a different area and be around if she needs me. I am ok with this. I keep telling her though that she needs jeans for sure. I also keep telling her the better grades she gets, the more money she will have. This seems to be working to some extent so hopefully she will have more money than she expects to. I keep telling her she needs at least one good dress as well and that I think we should pick out a jersey dress together. There is such class and style in them and I think she could pull it off. It would be perfect for special occasions and things she normally just does not think about. She can’t get all her cloths from hot topics. Specially not on her budget. Her special dress though, seeing she does not like shopping for dresses, will be my treat to her.

   Parenting a Teenager

I don’t know it all about parenting a teenager. So far so good I think. I know I need to give her responsibility and I need to trust her so she can have space to develop who she is and take her own risks in life. What I would give to see what life is like for us 10 years from now. I am sure I am not the only one. As always I could by wrong, you know your children best, and thank you for reading www.littlecrunchy.com