Sometimes I see glimpses of my little girl, moments where she holds on to me not wanting our goodnight cuddles to end. Other times I feel her annoyance at me, that look that tells me I am being embarrassing, or that I don’t understand what is is like to be a teen. I love her beyond what she could ever comprehend at her age, and yet these days she can drive me crazy as easy as flipping a switch. I remain calm, I remain patient. I pick my battles.

There are times where I need to pull her up on her tone, or attitude, but she is a great kid. The thing is though, she is not a kid, yet she is so far from being a woman. I do remember being a teen (it wasn’t quite a hundred years ago), but I don’t know what it is like to be in her mind, and her body, that is sacred to her. I remember the confusion of being a teen, and the pressure of school, also the pressure of trying to be the good girl that made my parents proud, but also the daring girl that wanted to explore who I was without limitations. Although I can read my daughter very well, she is her own person, and I don’t know what life is like in her mind. So I remain patient.

I want to wrap her in cotton wool, protect her from all hurts, and I especially want to take away her insecurities. I want her to see how amazing she truly is, how bright, how hilariously funny, how absolutely stunning she is, and I want her to know that life has amazing things ahead for her! I want to shield her, yet I want to set her free to soar!

Motherhood is confusing, so is being a teen. Together we will learn.

“My precious daughter, I will hold you gently whilst you cry, and I will hold you tightly whilst you sob. I will laugh with you at the jokes only we get. I will catch you when you stumble, and I will be the one clapping loudest when you achieve what you want to.

I will believe in you even when you doubt yourself, I will walk beside you when you need me, and I will set you free when you wish to fly, and fly you will my amazing child.

I have always told you that you are my miracle, that you fought so hard to be born, you are stronger than you know, you are more beautiful inside than anyone I have ever known, your heart and love are endless. You shine my beautiful daughter, always believe in yourself, as I will always believe in you.”

Mothering a teen is not easy, and it will challenge me so much further I am sure, but watching her grow into who she is meant to be is the greatest blessing I could ask for.

Speaking of parenting, it is now time to share some gorgeous photos taken by some parents this week and shared on the #mummyshot tag on Instagram. Each Saturday I feature my favourites. Here are this weeks featured photos.

Featured photos here are by @dancingdandelionsblog. @cardiffmummysays.

@clarehuggetsmith.  @itsagingerbreadlife.

If you are not following these Instagramer’s pop over and check them out. Thank you to everyone who tags us, Catie and I have such a hard time choosing each week. Pop over to Catie’s blog and check out her favourites too.

My favourite from Catie’s Instagram this week is this gorgeous pic

My own favourite from my Instagram feed is

Thanks for joining me, love Mac xx

Mission Mindfulness

Lucy At Home

Mummy in a Tutu