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Photo by dominiqs81
My almost 10 year old daughter Liz invited her best friend over to spend the night on Friday. It’s a bittersweet feeling to see them making their own fashion magazines, talking about what happens at school, and just….well, growing up.
I’ll admit that the teenage years scare me. I was a very strong-willed and moody teenage girl, and Liz is my mini-me. Seriously. I didn’t ever think I could have a child that was so much like me, but she is. In both good ways and bad. My mom laughs at me and says everything I ever did to her is coming back to bite me. I think she’s right.
My past clouds my view of Liz’s future sometimes. Since we are so much alike, I often worry that she’ll make some of the mistakes that I did. And I went through a pretty rebellious time during my college years. I can’t stand the thought of my sweet, innocent daughter experiencing the same self-inflicted pain that I did.
But just when my worries are about to get out of control, Liz does something to surprise me. In this case, it happened Friday night. Liz and her friend Ally were having a conversation about Barbies. It went something like this:
Ally: “I don’t like playing with Barbies anymore.”
Liz: “Me either.”
Ally: “Barbie clothes are just not modest.”
Liz: “Kind of like Bratz. They’re not modest either.”
Me: “So modesty is important to you?”
Ally: “Yes.”
Liz: “Not being modest is yucky.”
I have never been so proud of my daughter and her friend. They’re beginning to create their own identities at an age where peer pressure is strong. Clothing for 9 year old children continues to look more like clothing for teenagers. Children’s toys promote immodesty and s*xuality. And my daughter and her friend are choosing to stand together against the pressure.
Yes, Liz is strong willed. Yes, she has her own ideas. And she’s using these traits to her advantage. That’s my girl!
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Emily says:
What a proud moment! Good job, mom!
January 15th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says:
The teen years scare me too, but it sounds like you’ve got a smart girl there with her head right on her shoulders - way to go!
January 15th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Carrie says:
There ya go!!!!!! WTG Liz!
January 15th, 2008 at 8:05 am
LJ says:
That is sooo great! I often worry how those tween years will go for us, I have a few years to worry before it happens though
I often look at the clothes geared towards little girls and I cringe, they look more like clothes for college girls and that is a scary thing!
You have obviously done a great job with your daughter! Way to go!
Take Care,
LJ
January 15th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Angie says:
Lynnae, how very encouraging! I share in your proud moment. There is hope for the future. Our girls don’t have to make the same mistakes we did by God’s grace and help.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Jennifer Partin says:
That is great! My daughter is even more modest than I teach her to be. I see how she is comfortable being herself at such a young age and I hope it stays like that.
I am glad the Lord gave you an encouraging moment with your daughter! Those are always nice glimpses to be able to see.
January 15th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Jordan (MamaBlogga) says:
Kudos to moms and girls alike! What a proud moment. Hope it’s just the first of many!!
January 15th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Mindy @ She Said says:
I agree with you (and your daughter). I thought I would pass along this blog that I found Moms For Modesty.
January 15th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Jennifer in OR says:
A wonderful moment!! I have a friend who was replacing her little daughter’s Barbies with Strawberry Shortcake. She said: “At least Strawberry Shortcake looks like a little girl and not a prostitute.”
January 19th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Lynnae says:
LOL Jennifer, your friend is right. Barbie does sometimes look like a prostitute!
Mindy, thanks for mentioning Moms for Modesty. I had the banner up in my sidebar, but I realized it was still linked to their old blog. I’ve fixed it, so everyone feel free to visit and sign the statement. It’s a great idea!
January 19th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Julie Stiles Mills says:
How wonderful! I just posted about such a moment with my 7 year old who put herself in time out. If you’re interested, it’s at my Devotions blog, and it’s entitled “sweet honesty”
January 20th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Sarah (Real Life) says:
Wow! That’s great, Lynnae. I have the same fears for my daughters. I wasn’t brought up in a Christian home, so this is new territory for us!
January 27th, 2008 at 3:56 pm