Okay, so if you asked my teenage daughter how sassy I was, she might laugh in your face. On the other hand, at 34, I still feel pretty sassy, and having access to all the latest trends, thanks to the aforementioned teenager, keeps me in touch with what’s going on.
When most mothers say things like, “I’ve learned so much from my kids,” I don’t think they’re referring to ways to apply eyeliner to make the whites of their eyes look brighter. Chances are, they certainly aren’t talking about the lyrical resonance of the latest Green Day hit either.
I could have never shared the types of things with my own mother that I share with my own teenage daughter. Sure, we had the same taste in reading material and a love for gripping suspense movies, but when it came to our cultural beliefs, music preferences and personal style, mom and I were like night and day. That isn’t to say I think I’m near as hip as my daughter. In fact, if she knew I just referred to her as “hip” she would probably die of embarrassment and ban me from the Internet.
I do learn a lot from her though. For instance, I recently discovered that vampires sparkle in the sun after a lifelong belief that they burst into flames. Who knew? I also discovered that skinny jeans only work if you’re already skinny, applying lip balm under my lipstick keeps my lips from drying out before 9 a.m., and Pete Wentz from Fallout Boy is actually pretty hot.
Being a single mom, however, put me in touch with my teenage daughter in a way I never expected. I’ve never subscribed to the brand of parenthood that suggests you become your child’s best friend. Children need parents and guidance. I do, however, think listening objectively to my daughter is important for both of us. When I listen to her and can actually prove I’ve been paying attention, she in turn, is more likely to listen to me. And while I don’t profess to know everything, I do know a little somethin’-somethin’ about hiding pimples with makeup. If that doesn’t make me sassy, I don’t know what does.
Becoming a mother doesn’t mean you have to stop being a woman, and you should never stop being sassy.
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Comments
Nicole
December 22nd, 2009 - 5:46:49 AM
Great article, Jenny! You can write about anything and it's entertaining, fun, informative and something many people can relate to. I can't wait to read more articles from you on here. I think you could really give a voice to single mothers.
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Laura
December 22nd, 2009 - 6:59:35 AM
Yes! Our most valued skills are the ones we learned piloting the minefield of adolescents ourselves. "Never curl your eyelashes after applying mascara" or "Hide your monthly products in a zippered area where they won't pop out and announce your state" Many, many more along that vein that I've sworn to not tell the other sex. Oh yes, we are hip! And so are they, even if they won't admit it.
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Michele
December 22nd, 2009 - 7:02:00 AM
Loved this article! I'm extremely happy to know I'm not the only mother who knows how hot Pete Wentz is. Keep up the great writing!!!
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Cindy G
December 22nd, 2009 - 8:56:50 AM
Very nice..I can see that the two of you are good friends even though I am sure your daughter rolls her eyes at you, lol.
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Mimi
December 22nd, 2009 - 11:40:44 AM
Raising boys, is just as fun as raising girls, the difference between them in my books is the clothes you dress them in and the questions they ask. I would have loved to have a girl, but it did not work out that way, so I accept what I have and love them dearly. I love your article and your writting.
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Colette
December 23rd, 2009 - 7:18:36 AM
Having already gone through the throes of being a single mom with two teen daughters in the house - and now a teenage son ... you really brought back some memories of how it was with my girls in a very entertaining way! One thing about boys... my son thinks I am MUCH cooler (and sassier - lol!) than my girls EVER did ;)
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Mindy
December 23rd, 2009 - 7:22:43 AM
You are so right, times are not anything like they were when we were growing up. There is such a fine line between being a friend and being a parent who actually listens to your child and they feel they can talk to...great article!
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Joe
December 23rd, 2009 - 2:26:28 PM
Hrmmmm Vampires sparkle in the sun? I'd get her this t-shirt for christmas: And then Buffy Staked Edward. The End Stay Hip into your eighties Jenn. (And keep on letting me know about it because I'm hopeless about things like Flip Cameras that are just too cool for words)
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Tommy G.
December 24th, 2009 - 2:53:31 AM
Your articles are so well written. But I wanted to make a comment on what you said about the "Parental Best Friend" method of parenting. Now I am not a parent at all yet. But I have heard so many different theories and seen so many books on the "proper" way of parenting. But personally I think your way is the best way. Again I am no expert, but just seems to make the most sense.
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