Someone remarked the other day that I have an unusual relationship with my daughter.
We seem to live together pretty happily, with a minimum of drama,
Despite the fact that she's a teenager, and I'm... well... y'know... her mother.
And, when I think about it, I s'pose we do.
I mean, we bitch at each other in the mornings, and I nag her about taking a coat, or a brolly, or
GODDAMMIT, AT LEAST A JUMPER,
AND DO YOU HAVE YOUR PHONE?!
OR YOUR KEYS?!
every single time she walks out the door,
But it generally doesn't get more serious than that.
And I'd love to tell you it's because I'm such a good parent,
But that would be a dirty lie.
The truth is that she's a good kid, and I just got lucky.
Also, because we know some great people, who have all pitched in to help raise and influence her,
To their eternal credit.
But the real secret to getting along well with your teenage kid?
I'll tell you.
It's communication. And mutual respect.
The kid tags a mango?
You do not eat that mango, man.
Remember that,
and everything will be just fine.
Happy 16th birthday, Poppalina.
And may we be friends forever and ever,
Even longer.
love,
Mummy xoxox
