Mothering a tween-age daughter has some interesting challenges that I never expected. One of these is in regard to hair and dress. Not that it's too risqué; on the contrary, she is very modest. She is after all only nine, "almost ten!" I can hear her say. Maybe it's just that my daughter has her own sense of style? Or is it the age? Whatever it is, Rebekah is unique.
She wears uniforms to school each day, which puts a damper on her self-expression just a bit. She makes up for it on school days with unique hair designs and earring choices. Honestly, I would take pictures of her more elaborate constructions, but it seems to make her self-conscious. That's the last thing I want.
I think the most challenging part of it all is keeping my mouth shut. I look back at picture of myself from that age and I seem to have had a unique style all my own as well. I used to wonder, "Why did my mom let me walk out of the house looking like that?" Now I know. You have to pick your battles.
Each day as a mom is a lesson in letting go of control just a little bit more. Her clothing choices are just one of the first steps. I try to advise her here and there, but my words have to be delicate and tactful lest I hurt her feelings. Mostly I just try to tell her how beautiful she is.
Even though I don't always agree with my daughter's creative choices, I am happy that she has the confidence to wear what she likes and not care what anyone thinks. I would much rather her be setting the trend then following the leader. And if that means raising my eyebrows and zipping my lips when she comes out of her room dressed a little more uniquely than usual, so be it.
I must admit though, half the time I am surprised by how her outfits seem to work. The items she chose to put together might not have been the choices I would have made, but the end result looks pretty hip. What do I know?
