6th grade. Do you remember it? Does that grade haunt you as much as it does me? Dear God what an awful awful stage in life. Stuck between wanting to play with the Barbie’s sitting in the corner of your room just waiting for you to show them attention. And stuck wanting to be the grown up you’ve been dreaming of being.
I remember the growing pains that ached in my bones at night. I recall my teeth still missing from when my baby teeth left my mouth. Trying to figure what to do with my scraggly hair. The overwhelming feeling of being awkward every moment of everyday. My long lanky legs that couldn't catch up with the rest of my body fast enough. Wanting so badly to shave them because they were so hairy, but being too young to do it. The self conscience feeling you have in every move you make. At that age your emotions are the only thing that controls you.
I look at my daughter and I notice things about her I never really noticed before. Her beautiful olive face thinning out and starting to take a womanly shape to it. She has those same lanky limbs that tease every 11 year old. Her hazel eyes are growing wiser as she gets older; they’re not as innocent as my 7 year olds eyes are. She’s seen things, heard things, done things that age does. She’s getting older.
I’ve noticed that she wants to spend more time with me. When I get ready to go someplace she sits on the counter and watches me carefully apply my make up. She asks questions about moisturizer. Moisturizer ! She wants to know about eyeliner, lipstick, and mascara.
We have the same taste in music. There is nothing more fulfilling than sitting on the couch on a Sunday morning and watch VH1’s Top 20 Countdown and be happy when OUR favorite song is number one. We have a common ground. Even though it may not be often. We do have one.
I know it’s hard for her. She has added responsibilities now being in Jr. High. She feels the need to be popular and she thinks she’s not. Being accepted is the single most important thing in a preteens life.
She is a lunatic when it comes to her hormones. She cries often. Almost on a daily basis. To me I know that it’s just that hormones. But to her it’s the end of the world.
My baby is making her confirmation this weekend and I am so very proud of her. I’m proud that she is kind, loving, gentle and sweet. But most of all I’m proud of how gracefully she is growing up. 6th grade is tough but she’s doing well. Better than I ever did. Eleven years old. What a tough age.
So to you my little one. You're doing a fine job. Hang in there, sweetie.
And if you have a child this age - you know what I mean. Give them a hug because they need it.
P.S. Lush Bath bombs are the bomb!