A mix of humor, growth, and unexpected wisdom bombs from the front lines of motherhood.

This year, my tween taught me that eye rolls can be a form of punctuation, that silence sometimes speaks louder than sass, and that growing up is a beautiful, bewildering dance between independence and still needing your mom to find the missing sock.

Here are just a few of the lessons I didn’t expect to learn—but absolutely needed:

1. Confidence Isn’t Always Loud

She strolled into school rocking mismatched socks and her favorite western boots. When I asked if she wanted to swap them out, she simply shrugged and said, “Why? I like it.” In that instant, I realized confidence isn’t about blending in—it’s about owning who you are and showing up unapologetically yourself.

2. Feelings Are Messy—and That’s Okay

There were tears over group chats, friend drama, and math homework that “literally makes no sense.” But instead of fixing everything, I learned to sit beside her in the mess. She didn’t need a solution—she needed a safe space to feel.

3. Boundaries Are Brave

She told a friend “no” this year. Not rudely, not dramatically—just firmly. And then she told me how hard it was. Watching her navigate that moment made me realize how often we, as moms, forget to set our own boundaries. She reminded me that saying “no” is an act of self-respect.

4. Humor Is a Lifeline

From sarcastic comebacks to inside jokes about our black lab’s dramatic sighs, she taught me that laughter is how we survive the hard days. Especially when the Wi-Fi goes out or someone forgets their science project until 9:47 p.m.

5. She’s Becoming Her Own Person—and That’s the Goal

She’s not a mini-me. She’s a whole, complex, creative soul who loves weird facts, doodling on her hands, and changing her mind about everything. And while I sometimes miss the days of bedtime stories and sticky hugs, I’m in awe of the person she’s becoming.

 Final Thought

Motherhood in the tween years is like watching a butterfly emerge—equal parts wonder and worry. But this year, my daughter reminded me that growth isn’t always graceful, and love doesn’t always look like agreement. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, listening hard, and laughing through the chaos.

What’s something your child taught you this year? Drop it in the comments or write them a note—you might be surprised what comes out.

With a coffee in one hand and lessons in the other,

💛Bethany