Preteens

My niece is 13 going on 14 and when she was 12 it was worse. Becoming a full on teen seemed to ease things a bit. So have hope it does get better. Right now though what has really helped is her having a "boyfriend". They just hang out together but because he normally comes over here she is keeping her room clean, makes sure she goes to school no matter what and keeps her grades up. It really surprised us. Being 12 is rough because they are "too old" for most things and "too young" for other things. That in between stage is the hardest. Just remember it doesn't last forever and it will get better.

Every one that has girls goes through this. Don't worry about her just try to keep sane your self. Just remember this too shall pass. I know not soon enough but it will and if you can keep your head you will come out all right and so will she.

When my oldest daughter (now 23) turned 13 I said oh my gosh I am just waiting for her head to turn in circles. I have 3 girls so I totally know what you are talking about. The way I have coped with it is to always remember to pick your battles. Don't sweat the small stuff. Yes there will be that eye rolling thing, the door slamming thing, the stomping, the tears all of it and yes you may feel you need that you need a priest to come and get that evil out of her. I can promise you that at 18 I really started enjoying my oldest daughter again and you will too. When she says she hates you just look at it as you have done your job. When she bursts into tears hand her a tissue and walk on. When you are the most unfair mom in the whole world again doing your job good deal! The one thing I have learned is not to talk to them when in these states as they don't hear anything. When you are sure your child is back then talk to her about everything she has going on in her life. I find car rides work well for this cause you can threaten to make her walk home if she gets an attitude... I have never had to do it so only kidding. Just remember this too shall pass and you will survive. Just pick your battles!!!!

Been there, done that, got that shirt....twice.lol And I have been with my s/o for 3 years, and he has a daughter that is 14! So, doing it again, although I am armed with the knowledge that I know all the tricks that can be pulled and then some lol. Best advice, don't let her know what buttons to push, once she finds that out, she will push them every chance she gets, his does it to her mom all the time. Secondly, when she does pull something, stop, breath, and count to ten slowly, then deal with the situation, it will give you time to get your thoughts together and better handle the situation. And finally, it won't last forever, and when you come out the other end of the tunnel, you will be good friends for life, as I am with my daughters. Oh, one other thing, let her be her own person with her own dreams unless they are just really out there lol

I am going thru the same thing with my ten year old son. He seems to always push me to the limit. Then I get mad and yell. I dont know what to do. He is a really good kid, just likes to see how far he can go. Hes just like me so thats why its so hard. We both are stubborn. I guess we just gotta hang in there and hope for the best. LOL