This year, more than any year before, I've struggled with parenting. She's at an age now that she actually listens to what I say, repeats it, and I'm sure is storing it tight in her memory to pull and and use against me when she's 15 and pissed because I won't let her wear short shorts. Questions, so many questions, every single day and not just about important things, but just anything. I think she may just love listening to herself talk, it's hard to tell.
I have to be very mindful of my verbiage around her, words like 'diet' I try to steer clear of. We talk about things that are healthy and things that are ok, but only in moderation. I don't want her to obsess about food, but I also want her to have knowledge of how to pick healthy items. She hasn't really asked me questions about weighing my food, but I don't make a big deal about it when I'm cooking. I've already thought about what to say when she does ask, it's just a way to measure food - like a measuring cup or tablespoon.
The pink tutu. Bless this sweet child's heart she has literally become obsessed with this skirt. It's become a security blanket for her and I don't really know why or if I should do anything about it. She's fine wearing a uniform to school, but literally asks to go straight home and put it on every single day. Yesterday I washed it and she checked the dryer about 45 times waiting for it to be done.
Then we have Kinder drama, mean girls, and hurt feelings. I'm pretty shocked that this is already a situation, but almost every week it gets brought up at home and I've struggled with how to explain it to her in a way she'll understand. I told her not every one is going to be her friend, there are many different types of people in the world, some you will get along with and some you won't. Also, if a girl is mean to you it's probably not something you did, maybe they are just having a grumpy day, you know how sometimes you get put in time out for being sassy and have to change your mind? Everyone has grumpy days. I know she's young, but the girl drama is already breaking my heart.
Raising a girl has proven to be exhausting so far, I want her to grow up with a pretty heart. I want her to be open minded. I want her to be confident in her abilities. I want her to stay 5 forever and ever.