There Goes the Neighborhood

Friends. Big, little, older, younger. We all have them. Most of us have the ability to keep them.

For some of our children, it’s a struggle.

We are blessed to finally live in a neighborhood full of kids of all ages.

Except?

Jellybean’s 2 BFFs are 8 and 9, 2 years behind her in school. There’s the extra needy 39 year old neighbor with the 6 year old, too.

8 and 9 are okay. I’m a little sketchy about the 6 year old. She’s only just started elementary school whereas Jellybean is just beginning middle school. She still talks in a baby high voice and mimics typical 6 year old (babyish) behavior. Jellybean is sprouting boobs and talking about boys.

My new motto: Make friends that will be going to middle school with you too. I have a feeling that a friendly face in the hallway is going to make a huge difference.

I went to a private Christian academy growing up. I have no idea about this world she is about to enter. She asks me all these questions I can’t answer.

Just this past weekend, we had a friend’s 13 year old daughter over. I quietly watched as Jellybean bloomed into the young lady she is and will be (a lot faster than I am prepared for!) at the hands of this light years above friend. She carried herself taller. She dressed a little better.

Yet, I could still see how far apart even these two are. Some because of different parenting approaches, some because of age. One is allowed to watch MA rated shows, while the other is still stuck on PG. One dresses in teenage clothes that actually fit her because she has all the right stuff. One still shops in the girls section because she is not quite ready to make the plunge into the teen world.

The differences between Jellybean and the teenager are wide, reminding me that my daughter is not as grown up as she wants to be. She is still very much my little girl, and the bridge between that six year old and her may not be as far off as the one between her and the 13 year old.

XOXO

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