5 Ways My Teen Girl Has Saved Me

Teens – especially girls – can get a bad rap.

The stereotype of difficult, demanding, moody, rebellious divas can be a tough one to shake.

So, I’m here to help repair their reputation – starting with five things my teen girl has saved me from:

1. Ambush by TLC’s What Not to Wear. My outfits are often evaluated for fashion sense and age-appropriateness. She informs me when certain outfits and hairstyles make me look “old” or “uncool.” My personal favorite is when she told me a particular ensemble made me look like “the 80’s threw up on me.” Nope, this mama will never walk out the door looking like a geeky, fashion faux pas. It’s a little like living with Clinton and Stacy except she hasn’t subjected me to the dreaded 360-degree mirror – yet.

2. The love of money. You know how “the love of money is the root of all evil”? When you have a teenage girl, money doesn't stay in your hands long enough for you to become attached to it. The owners of some of her favorite stores, like Hollister and American Eagle, may find plenty of evil lurking at their door, but I'm safe. Whew. What a relief.

3. Too much sleep. Have you found that too much sleep makes you lethargic? Well, you’re a parent. Of course you haven’t. Let’s just say that you’ve probably heard that too much sleep can make you lethargic. Saved again! All that worrying about the present and the future makes that unlikely. And, since she’s 13, I’m just getting started!

4. The need to answer the phone. I used to hear the phone ringing and assume it was for me. No more. My very popular and outgoing daughter has corralled all the social energy in our house. So while that phone is ringing off the hook, I can just kick back in my recliner and relax.

5. A shortage of cosmetic and grooming products. An early morning discovery that I had run out of mousse or hairspray used to send me into a panic. Now a quick trip across the house leads me to a veritable treasure trove of haircare and personal care goodies. As an added bonus, this also contributes to saving me from #2.

See? Teenage girls are performing wonderful acts of charity for their parents all the time.

However, this discussion wouldn’t complete without saying that my teen girl, Molly -- from the moment she was born -- has also challenged and inspired me to be a more giving, less judgmental, more compassionate, less controlling and godlier woman.

From the moment you were born, sweet Molly, God has been using you to save me from myself.

I love you deeply (and yes, I really did mean to say sweet.)

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