Back when my 14-year-old daughter was still on her (baby to) elementary years, she was smothered with daddy and mommy’s love and support.  Just like any parent, we were overprotective of our princess and I promised myself to be the doting mom to her until she grows up. Not now.  

I changed my mind.  I want her to be independent, smart and strong.  I want her to decide on her own and learn from her mistakes.  I know she’ll do good and I trust her without me

 

Cleaning her room

I told my daughter that her room reflects her personality that’s why it’s important to maintain its cleanliness day by day.  Prior to letting her do the cleaning, I made sure I trained her enough from organizing her things to sweeping the floor.

 

Packing her school bag

My daughter is not a little girl anymore and she knows better when it comes to packing her school bag.  The only thing that I pack for her is her lunch box.

 

Reminding her to do her homework

I used to be the momma who never stopped reminding my teenage girl to perfect her homework.  Now, it’s her responsibility to research, answer her assignments and manage her time.

 

Buying her something every time we go to the mall

Aside from instilling independence, she has to learn the importance of saving up money.  As such, every time we go to the mall, I have to think first whether she needs the very thing that she’s begging me to buy or not.

 

Allowing her to be mean

Banging the door and stomping her feet just because she wasn’t allowed to attend her friend’s birthday party is unacceptable behaviour.  Respect, my dear.