Gwen and I bonded over sitting side by side yesterday for over an hour, her on Instagram and Wanelo and me on Facebook. Not the Mother/Daughter kind of quality time I might dream up but it happened naturally and when I realized what was happening , instead of saying " get off your phone, we've both been wasting time!" I stayed a bit longer and sunk down into the couch and listened more intently as she described pictures she liked and styles that were hot. It felt nice to just sit with her. No agenda , just taking her in.
Her gorgeous shiny straight blond hair, her long legs, her big smile, her perfect hands. Those blue eyes. Her shorts that are bit too short for my liking but not as short as the ones I said No Way to. Her Mocking Jay earrings. I love her so, I don't think she can fathom how much, especially since I am learning Parenting on her and my over controlling not so gentle personality tends to seep out more than I would like. I really hope she knows how much I adore her.
I spend so much time telling Gwen what to do.
Clean your room. Get off the phone until your room is clean. Are you sure you don't have homework? Wipe down the bathroom please. Tell me where your going. Does that friend have brothers? I don't like you hanging out with older brothers? Be careful on the trampoline. Only one at time remember? Study for that Test. I know you studied on the bus, you have to study here too. Don't say that to your sister! Do you know how much she looks up to you? Yes, she does care what you think. Get in the car, Yes you have to go to your brothers game. Don't take your phone.... you can talk to people around you, esp today Grandma is going to be there. Do Not be on your phone when Grandma is talking to you! Close your window. Has your window been open all day? The A/C is on for heavens sake! Well if your room stinks, Clean it! Have you flossed this week? I really don't want to pay for more fillings. How many marshmallows did you just put in your mouth? Right before bed! Rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth again. Hurry up, it's bed time. No more phone, get to bed. Turn your light out by 10 please.
I love you , Good night, I love you too.
Anyway, after our couch time, she actually agreed to help me make the blackberry cobbler we were having for dessert. At first reluctant, but then she realized it was fairly easy and how much I still wanted to be with her even though I had to cook dinner. So phone time together =
baking time together , and we both got what we wanted, a little more of each other. I hope I can make more of this kind of time with my emerging tween and less time for the above nagging.
Did I say I adore her?
Super sweet! Just nag her to read this every day so she can't forget. :)
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