Like, Totally Lame, Dude

Huston, we have a problem. We are T -2 months and counting until we're invaded by the teen years right here in our own home. It appears, though, that she's begun training us early. Yippee for us.

Like, what is it with kids not listening to their parents? I mean, like, when did we become such old fuddy duddies that know nothing? And, like, where are the years when Mom and Dad were all-wise?

Take today for instance. And yesterday, and a few days last week. Our daughter has decided that she is not cold. Ever. Not in subzero temperatures with high winds. Not during an ice storm. Not ever. She won't wear a coat, and refuses to wear long sleeves because they're just not cool. And she relishes walking outside dressed like this in the aforementioned weather just to push my buttons. I guess I just don't know what cold is anymore. Aren't old people always cold? Maybe I am getting up there in years. Pass me a sweater.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am currently having this battle with my 2.5 year old . . . you mean I have to live through the 'Terrible 2's' twice?! I am taking solace in the fact that my little one can't yet talk back - I feel for you!

Karen said...

Oh, this is just the coat issue. There's also the swimsuit issue, the shorts issue, the midriff issue...

At least the terrible two's only last a few years.

Kidzmama said...

You aren't that old at all. But, you'll catch yourself saying, "when I was your age...", yeah, that's bad. At least you can still remember that age. It couldn't have been THAT long ago if you can still remember it, right? Somehow I don't think your new teenager will agree.

And, did she just get her hair cut since Christmas? She looks different.

Suburban Correspondent said...

You've got to have fun with this. Like saying, "Are you sure you want to wear that heavy T-shirt today? How about a tank top instead?"

Things are going to change a lot for you. Hang on for the ride!

Kellan said...

I carry a sweater with me everywhere because I am always cold - how does she stand it? She is simply adorable - your soon-to-be-teenager!!! Prepare yourself - the fun is about to begin! Take care and Happy New Year to your beautiful family. Kellan

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

You're scaring me! Please stop. I have 1 1/2 years before the teenage years and she's already showing signs of the "cold" issue.

Flea said...

Ugh. It's so true. I don't even bother trying to convince. I just say, "I'm cold. Put your sweater on." The hoodies seem to be the solution, since they're 'cool'. Getting them off long enough to wash once every three weeks? THERE'S the problem.

Madame Queen said...

That girl is gorgeous! You're going to have your hands full, no doubt!

Frankly, this post frightens the snot out of me. I can soooo see that this is going to be my future. I like Suburban Correspondent's idea though.

Karen said...

Flea, I think you're onto something. She refuses to even own long sleeves, but received two Aero hoodies for gifts. Guess what she hasn't taken off since Christmas?

Much like toddlerhood, we've decided to choose our battles. She wants to be cold? Fine. But she will wear modest clothing in summer.

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

We live in Maine, Connor has NO hair (well, a mohawk) and it's SNOWING LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL, yet that kid will not wear a coat or a hat. Don't even THINK about BOOTS (WE HAVE TONS OF WET SNOW PEOPLE!) or gloves. It drives me crazy...

Hallie

Irene said...

Isn't that funny!? I remember being in junior/senior high and thinking it was completely uncool to wear a hat, boots or, God forbid, carry an umbrella. And I used to fight my mom tooth and nail about this issue. Why is that!?

It is funny because I remember when I started college, everyone was decked out in tons of winter clothes and always carried umbrellas, even in the snow.

Burgh Baby said...

So what you're saying is that I shouldn't even try fighting the exact.same.battle now because it's just going to come back again in 10 years? Great.

BTW, you might want to lock Shivers up. She's way freakin' cute!

Flea said...

I remember in junior high - what, 12 years old? - getting a rabbit fur coat for Christmas (all the rage) and wearing it all the time. The catch? I lived south of New Orleans. But I would have DIED before taking off that coat in 70 degree weather.

Leanne said...

Yep. I have ten days. TEN. My baby will turn thirteen on the ninth of January. I am so so so in denial.

She will wear a coat for me, but she wears a uniform for school and will only wear the skirt with knee socks. No pants, no leggings, no stockings...it's not cool. She goes to school everyday in a short jacket and a short skirt.

She goes out for recess and comes back with bright red knees.

Insane, our pre-teens.

The Sports Mama said...

Oh I feel for you! Well, mostly! :)

My teenager is a boy, so its a bit different. For one thing, we don't hear him saying "like" as much I remember saying it!

His biggest deal is wearing his sunglasses ALL THE TIME. And yeah, the hoodies are all the thing now. :)

Good luck!

Maria (also Bia) said...

Boy can we relate! My boys NEVER want to wear a coat. EVER. The wind is howling, the temperature is falling, and they are just fine...so they say. It drives us nuts, but like you, my husband and I have decided to choose our battles...and this is one we let go. As for me, pass me a sweater, and a coat, and a scarf, AND gloves...all this for when the temps drop below 60. I could never live up north.

Your daughter is just beautiful. God bless.

AutoSysGene said...

I'm so not looking forward to this part of Hope's life. I think I'm just going ot move out when she turns 13. Maybe I'll go away to college. Good luck with the teen years.

Happy New Year!

Maria said...

Umm, don't even let her go anywhere without you. The boys are going to be after her, if they aren't already. When I was in high school I remember wearing mini skirts on the coldest days. We'd get to school and our legs would be all red. Hey, we lived. There could, and will, be worse issues!

ALF said...

She's pretty!

She will learn to wear a coat eventually. I used to do weird things like that too just because my mother didn't want me to...

kimmy said...

I am not looking forward to "the teenage years" at all! Luckily my kids wear just about anything I put on them (except for turtlenecks). They are still so young. But, if they are anything like I was, I'm sure they will wear their coats just to please me, but immediately remove them once they are at school!

Good luck and happy new year!

Kimmy

Cecily R said...

Dang Karen, she is pretty. Look out!

My mom's parental credo is choose your battles. I have to think there is some wisdom in both your parenting strategies. If the worst thing she's doing is wearing short sleeves in a blizzard, I say WOOO HOOOO! 'Course I only have a 9 year old so far....

Michelle said...

Sounds like you're in for it with the teen years! :) I don't remember long sleeves and coats being uncool! My how times changed!