CaritoSpeaksLife

Between laughter, hormonal changes, and lots of prayers

Who said preadolescence was easy? Definitely not a mom who’s been through it. Today, I want to share a bit of what we’re living at home… or better said, surviving.

My daughter has just entered that mysterious stage between childhood and adolescence. She’s not a little girl, but not yet “grown up” (though she argues like a little lawyer). And here I am, trying to walk with her with love, patience… and many cups of tea !

Chapter 1: Emotions, that amusement park

One day she wakes up laughing, singing in the shower, hugs me, and says, “Mom, you’re the best in the world.”

The next day, she storms into the kitchen like a drama queen:

“Why are you looking at me like that? What did I do? Why is there no cheese bread?”

Spoiler: There was never cheese bread.

I take a deep breath and remember her brain is rewiring. Her emotions are all over the place, like someone tossed confetti in a blender. But even in the middle of this hormonal chaos, God remains our anchor. Every night we pray together, and I remind her:

“God made you for a purpose. You are not alone.”

Chapter 2: The body is changing… and the closet too!

“Mom, these jeans are tight! And that shirt has teddy bears, how embarrassing!”

And so begins the wardrobe battle. I used to dress her with bows and flowers; now I have to negotiate with a mini fashionista who thinks her style should reflect her new personality (which changes every 48 hours).

Though I miss her unicorn clothes, I celebrate her desire to express herself. I remind her that her body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and she’s not defined by what she sees on social media but by how God sees her: beautiful, valuable, and unique.

Chapter 3: Funny (or tragicomic) moments

One evening, while chatting after dinner, she drops the big question:

—“Mom, at what age can I have a boyfriend?”

I choked on my tea, looked at her and said as calmly as possible:

—“Good question… do you know how to cook rice without burning it?”

She laughed out loud and said, “You’re right, better later.”

Truth is, at this stage, they ask both deep questions and some that don’t make any sense. But that’s part of growing up. What matters is they know they can talk to us without fear or judgment.

Chapter 4: Faith as a guide

Through all this, I’ve learned faith is our map. My daughter doesn’t just need advice; she needs to see that her mom also seeks God. That when she doesn’t know what to do, she prays. That when she makes mistakes, she asks for forgiveness.

Jesus was a child too. He grew, learned, and obeyed His parents. (Luke 2:52 says:

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”)

That’s how I want my daughter to grow not perfect, but purposeful.

And even though we are on a journey of transformation and growth with good days and challenging ones seeing her serve, love, and help others with her charisma makes this process so much more beautiful. It reminds me God is working, even when we don’t always see it clearly.

So, what now?

We keep adventuring. There are days full of long hugs and others with slammed doors. Days of laughter and days of tears. But in every moment, God is working. And I, as a mom, keep learning to let go, trust, and enjoy each stage… even this one, which feels like a roller coaster with no seatbelt.

Do you have a preteen at home? What funny moments or challenges have you experienced? Share with me—you’re not alone! 💕