The difference between girls and teenage girls
Filed under The Mommy Journals • Tagged: family, kids, parenting
Every time we pass by a shop window displaying girls’ dresses in pretty floral pastels, I reminisce about the days when I chose all of Sam’s and Alex’s clothes. That was a long time ago. Thing is, as children grow older, they form their own preferences and sense of style. That’s why there was a lot of hullabaloo about what they would wear to the prom which was finally resolved when they got to choose what they wanted from the tops to the shoes.
It’s the same thing with their private space in the house. When we moved to the suburb, Sam and Alex were eight and seven and I decorated their bedroom with Winnie the Pooh stick-on borders. Even their wall clock had a Winnie the Pooh design.
Times have changed. Young girls do not really complain when mothers take it upon themselves to decide what young girls’ bedrooms should look like. You can’t do that with teenage girls unless you want to go to war with them.
We’re moving to the new house in seven days (sounds like forever since we’re suffering from serious “Can we move today?” fever) and their bedrooms are undergoing finishing touches. Yes, they were allowed — encouraged, in fact — to choose the color schemes for their own rooms. They were even allowed to choose the lighting fixtures. The ceiling light fixtures have been bought but they still have to make up their minds about the pendant lamps and reading lamps. Truth is, I often go ballistic at Sam’s very expensive choices. And Alex has this fixation over a wall-mounted torch light, Asian-inspired obviously, to go with what else she intends to do with her room.
It’s really about identity. It’s about allowing, and respecting, the kids to express their own personality. The bedroom, after all, is a sanctuary, a private haven. I took some photos yesterday (view them) and things are looking great.
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10 Responses to “The difference between girls and teenage girls”We feast everyday!
Sam’s room reminds me of a movie where the girl has a similar room except its all black, she wore black clothes and put thick eye shadows under her eyes. You know “gothic look”.
On the other hand, I like Alex’s room. One look and you know the owner have a happy disposition.
Re “gothic look”. Sam doesn’t put on make up but she has a fixation with horror films. Gives the gothic character a new meaning. LOL
Hi Sassy,
Your new house looks really good from the few pics. Are you going to post more photos?
Yes, the children have a mind of their own when they grow up. My daughter shops very frequently on the internet and we let her do what she feels comfortable with. She is earning her own money now. At best we advise when we feel it is necessary.
Bayi, more photos, yes. We’re so excited. It’s like wanting to share the excitement fever. LOL
How kids grow up, right? I can still remember the day we moved to the suburb and they were young girls in pony tails. Now, they’re taller than me. Bigger shoe sizes too. Ahhh, what a definite reminder that I’m growing old.
I can feel the excitement! LOL!
It certainly comes across.
LOL that obvious, eh? Seven days to go and counting.
Sexist it may sound, but teenage girls are such a pain in the neck. My daughter and I clashed so much then that she joined the Air Force just to get away from me. But then found out it wasn’t so bad at home after all! In comparison, my son’s teen years were remarkably placid — I kept waiting for the whole rebellion thing but I guess he forgot about that stage hahaha.
Really, Miguk? I always thought that boys were more difficult to raise. Of course, I can’t compare because I don’t have boys.
Your mileage may vary of course, but in my experience and that of my brother, the daughters have been, shall we say, difficult. My daughter thought I was the dumbest man alive when she was 16 — and she is amazed at how smart I have gotten over the last 10 years hahaha.
Oh my god. Speedy oughta read your comment. Really. LOL