The Moody Teenager

Just the other day my daughter and I were headed to the store, she was in such a happy, pleasant mood I couldn't help but point it out. I told her it's so nice when you smile and you are so happy! I asked her how a kid can go from being happy to sad to miserable and grumpy in 2.2 seconds. She laughed. I said, aha! You know, you do it. We laughed together. I told her that it was normal and I did the same thing when I was her age. Maybe now she could prevent it from happening in the future because she was aware of it...yeah right! Wishful thinking on my part:)

I know that as far as 13 year olds are concerned right now I have it made, other than the moodiness, she is a great kid. I guess it's good to communicate as much as possible with them and to remember that this is all normal and that she is no different than any other kid her age.

Here is a little snip it from and article I read recently...it was just nice to get the confirmation of what I already knew, in writing.

For most boys and girls, adolescence starts between the ages of 10 and 14 and continues until 19 or 21. The child becomes introspective again, often giving both himself/herself and his/her parents a rough time.
For the teenager, it is a time of concern about many things: acne, weight problems, menstruation, late development, early development, sexual arousal, school pressures, boredom, parental hassles, peer pressures and money problems.
It is a time of confused feelings, particularly in relationships with parents. Teenagers fight for independence yet fear too much freedom; they resent overprotection but need and want parental attention.
For parents, it is a challenge to keep a balanced view of their teenager's emotional roller coaster ride. As their children bounce back and forth between childhood and adulthood, parents often do not know what to expect. They must discipline when needed, yet understand their teenager's growing need for independent action.
Parents need to remember that life is stormy for all teenagers, that moodiness and changing interests are normal and that a certain amount of rebellion is not only usual but healthy.

Please feel free to comment and share your experiences too!