My Daughter Is 9 Going on 15: Oh, Where Did Her Youth Go? Parenting Kids

Erin Musto

May 05, 2017

We all need reminders that life moves fast, but why is my 9-year-old going on 15?? I feel that our kids are pushed to grow up too fast. Technically she is 9, but her ways are that of a teen:

Waking up is impossible for her. I swear a blow horn wouldn’t get her up.

We don’t talk much until after she’s eaten breakfast. I spend the morning tip-toeing on eggshells until her cereal is eaten.

I now get sassy mouth and she has to get the last word in.

The world is different now, and life happens faster. It is amazing, and it makes it hard to parent our kids. It doesn't always feel like our parenting works. I just keep following through, keep chugging and keep hoping she’ll be SUPER easy as a teen. It gets easier, right?!

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Comments (8)

Donna John

So true, Erin Musto . Kids grow up way too fast these days.

Elisa Schmitz

Yes! between peer pressure, the media, and retailers pushing sexy clothes for toddlers, it's no wonder our kids are growing up differently than we did. Hang in there, Erin Musto - you are not alone! (And yes, I am sure your daughter will be a very easy teen!) :-)

Grace Ashline

You're doing what is sadly rare these days. You're identifying it and starting a very brave, real and necessary dialogue. It doesn't just have to do with peers, our sexualized culture, their exposure or even the media as most blame it on, it begins with what the generation before them are teaching and modeling. Reading this makes me think of the culture of adult women breeding their daughters to think more is more and that fitting in requires them to compromise their self worth. Thanks for the good read!

Elisa Schmitz

Excellent insight, Grace Ashline ! I hope you will consider sharing your tips with us and joining our tribe. Your voice would be most welcome!

Grace Ashline

Thank you! I am unfamiliar with the site and its purpose but as a mother and writer, would love to learn more about it!

Elisa Schmitz

Thank you, Grace Ashline ! Our goal is to make life better is 30 seconds, through the power of content and community. Our tribe (30seconds.com/tribe/) of contributors share their wisdom across any of our channels they are interested in - mom, health, food, beauty, travel and more to come. You can learn about how we started here: 30seconds.com/page/about/ I hope you will share more of your insights with us!

Ann Marie G. Halstead

Thank you for sharing your perspective, Erin Musto ! I can relate! And welcoe, Grace Ashline ! We're so glad you decided to join us. Please do submit something!

Dawn Taylor

My two daughters are now 13 and 14 and I would say they were much more difficult between 8-11. I think we usually associate this behavior with teens but I saw it much earlier when they are growing into their bodies and struggled a lot with all of the changes. It does get easier in my opinion!

My Daughter Is 9 Going on 15: Oh, Where Did Her Youth Go? Parenting Kids

Books About Raising Daughters $4 & Up

Books About Raising Sons $4 & Up

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