New Parenting Phase: Pre-Teen and Teen Girls
We are entering a new phase with the girls that has made Wes and I take a step back. To the outside world and even with us in the home we have sweet tender moments with the kids. They are respective to other adults, engaging with other kids, helpful to strangers, empathetic, etc. but between themselves and even to their parents there are harsh exchanges of words that are rooted in selfishness and pride. We reminded them that it is our first time parenting a 13 year old and 11 year old (going on 17!) and we need wisdom and grace too. We have had lots of conversations, redirecting, and taking away of privileges but the more we consider what is happening, it is revealing things about ourselves and them in new light. We already knew we weren't in control of them and God was but when they are little we can feel that we are. We direct everything they eat and do. As they get older, they rightly develop into doing most things for themselves and thinking independently. It might have ...
