Another Kid Reaches Double Digits

It’s not just any old Sunday. My second child turns 10 today. We’ve always made turning double digits a big deal, because, well, it is a big deal. It’s huge. Maybe not huge in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a pretty big deal to a child who has been 9 forever.

So, with double digits comes great responsibility. Like…. you can’t whine anymore. You now are eligible for a weekly allowance. You are expected to do your chores without me constantly nagging you to do so. You are expected to study hard and bring home good grades. Simply passing a test is not acceptable anymore.

We expect a lot from our kids. And why shouldn’t we? Last night as we were having dinner, we were discussing my 10 year old’s friends who had previously spent the night. Luckily, she has really great friends… as does my 12 year old. I’m hoping this won’t change as they get older and meet new people. Having a strong friend base is so important. The kids got into a pattern of asking me the “what if?” questions. What if I wanted to go on a date? What if I wanted to go to the mall with my friends? What if I bought a car? I answered those questions with my usual response… “You won’t be leaving the house until your 40.”

Okay… not really.

But I was thinking it.

The point was that out of all my kids’ friends, my girls honestly think that WE are the stricter of the parents. My husband and I looked at each other and I smiled.

“Good. Then we are doing our job.”

That job hasn’t been easy. Three children (and especially 3 girls) is hard. Don’t let anybody ever tell you it isn’t. They’re lying. Or drinking. Or both. But, my second baby is now 10, and that’s making my heart ache a little bit more tonight. Yes, I still have one more to go. One more baby who won’t see double digits for a few more years. But it’s coming. It’s coming fast.

Today is Amanda’s turn. She’s my talker. She’s the one who can argue anybody under the table. She’s the one who always has a smart-alec answer for you that you can’t possibly find a come-back to. She’s the one who can talk anybody into doing anything… and often does. She is the kind of girl who expects to live in a big house with plenty of domestic help so she doesn’t have to cook a meal or pour a drink or wash clothes or do dishes or turn the remote on the TV. My sweet, cuddly Amanda. Good luck with that.

Happy Birthday Mandy Candy. We love you.

Amanda with her breakfast in bed - fruit crepes.