My Kid Is Thirteen And I Just Can't Deal

My daughter, my first born, is thirteen years old. I didn’t think this was going to be any kind of big deal.

She has always been a sweet and loving soul. She has cared for her brother, who has been like her best friend for eight wonderful years. She would hug and cuddle with Mom and Dad, and was always known for being kind to everyone.

But, something happened when she turned thirteen years and one day old.

My loving daughter turned into a little demon, who hates anything and everything that dares to look her in the eyes, has the courage to come within a thirteen-foot radius of her, or breathes.

What. The. Heck.

They said the teenage years were difficult, but Y’ALL. I didn’t quite expect this.

I don’t even know how to deal with her like this. She has, like, this split personality, and I never know which one is going to rear its head with each passing minute of the day.

She came into the room today, and was so excited to show me a picture that she had drawn. I oohed and aahed, and she was just fine and happy.

Then, I made the mistake of telling her she was so talented, and the picture was amazing.

She immediately threw the picture down, screamed, “It’s ugly. I have no talent,” and stomped out of the room.

I just sat there with my mouth open in disbelief. What had just happened?

I am finding that moments like this are NOT isolated events, and each one is like a slap in the face to poor Mom.

I wish I had some wisdom to share with you on how to deal with teenagers, but I don’t think there are any secret tips or tricks. I think you may have to just love them the best you can, give them space, and ride out this hormonal, evil, bizarre time in their lives.

My friends keep promising me that she will snap back into a hybrid version of herself in about six years. But, I don’t know that I can take this for six more years.

How in the world am I supposed to make sure she is doing the right things, learning all that life has to teach her, and being a decent human being when she literally hates the thought of me?

I know, I know — it’s something that all parents have to go through. But, I was SURE it would be different with her.

I even brought her on a beach vacation, to try and make her enjoy herself and be happy for the first time in months. She has always LOVED the beach, the sun, the water, and the fun restaurants we take her to on vacation.