Grasshopper New Media Presents...

My daughter is 12, fast becoming a woman. I couldn’t be happier or prouder. She’s maturing, learning about the world, developing tastes, and maintaining quite a few solid friendships.

The other day, as it was her Spring Break, she had a sleepover for a few of her friends. Much laughter and Doritos and even a make-over or two. And not a single tear or fight or sign of unhappiness. Yes, there was screaming, but only with abandon. And in the morning, I received the honor of cooking eggs and potatoes and toast. Really, there is nothing more fulfilling than being a parent.

Now, I wasn’t always of this perspective, but as I’ve grown older, and as the kids have matured, I have learned the valuable lesson of: When in doubt, leave them alone and see what happens. This sleepover was one of those times, when I just left them to their partying and only served as cook and waiter and shopper and stand-up comic. No effort felt from me on any of those, and it’s because I finally got over my need to control, learning to trust my kids. Tough, yes indeed, but worth it. Watching them become individuals, young adults - well, there’s no joy I’ve felt that matches it.

It may not work for all of you - some of you may want to keep a tighter rein on your kids. But for me, letting go was the ticket. Your mileage may vary, always take on an empty stomach.

by Stu Mark

[tags]kids, children, parents, parenting, girls, women, sleepover, Spring Break, fun, party, trust, letting go, growth[/tags]
Photo proudly provided by the author, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved