Ember

I feel it's time to spend one on one time with my kids. We are always together and our relations are filled with vying for attention from me that I can't give to each one as they need.

I particularly feel the need to spend alone time with Jessica. I'd like to take Jessica to mother/daughter outings away from our testosterone filled house whether it's doing something girly like getting manicures together, doing something 'cultural' like going to a children's museum, or simply hanging out in a little restaurant having lunch.

I thought if I started now, we'd have the establishment of a relationship where she can feel comfortable opening up to me later on.

I can be excited for her as she tells me about a vibrant love.

I can relate to her broken heart and tell her that although the pain is palpable, she'll overcome the hurt and that the best revenge is to live a good life.

I can relate to deciding whether to trust first instinct, or intellect, or the heart.

I can reassure her that making mistakes are OK. It helps a person improve their lives and decision making skills provided you don't be an idiot by making the same mistakes over and over.

I can counsel her on decisions she's making in her life if she asks.

Or I can simply listen.

It would be nice to relate to my daughter aside from disciplining and telling her to get her pajamas on and brush her teeth.

I don't expect to be a friend, but I do hope that as her mother, she'll see me as someone she can trust and not fear judgement for how she conducts her life provided it's not hurtful to herself or others. Only then might I become a meddling mother.