A woman named Noelle posted this in “Share Your Story” on the right there, but it summed up things so eloquently for Formerlies with teenagers that I had to give it a more prominent spot:
I have two precious things in my life, one that makes me feel “hot” – the perfect little black dress – and one that makes me feel “formerly hot” – a 15-year-old daughter. Her friend had a “club-themed” Sweet 16 party and the next thing I know my Little Black Dress walked out the door on my “little girl.” My clothes are going to parties I’m not invited to!
My girls are only seven and so they’re not borrowing my clothes yet, but I anticipate feeling that same feeling of, “Now wait just a minute!” as Noelle does. Right now, Sasha and Viv listen to “my” music (i.e., ’80s and ’90s songs that I feel they must appreciate or that I have failed in my musical education of them) and like it or hate the songs, they listen with open hearts. When they start listening to them ironically, that will irk me a bit.
They say the sandwich generation are those of us who are caring both for children and aging parents. I think this qualifies, too. Thanks, Noelle!
Photo by Dancer Dalagio CC
September 2, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I hate to say it, but my son (10) now regularly steals my cool t-shirts (i.e., my vintage Ninja Turtle tees that I still wear to the office under a blazer) to wear to school. He’s not even a big kid (only 70lbs), but he still manages to fit into them and look “grunge” and cool. I wear them, and people in the office just roll their eyes and explain to newbies that I’m a weird 20-something (I’m 27).
September 29, 2010 at 5:57 am
I also think the same as the correct commenter above 😛