Feeling My Parental Age

There's nothing like a tween in your home to humble you into realizing you're old. Although my kids are far from the typical "Stay away you're embarrassing me, Mom" kind of kids, I know there's that line you just don't want to cross to get there.

One of our big things around here is music. It's almost always on now. It replaces the tv most days. We dance to it, clean to it, or just simply relax & enjoy it. Of course, big pop hits are an official tween anthem so naturally it is the biggest selection on our playlist. I don't mind-I love to bounce my booty to the beat of Black Eyed Peas "Imma be" while unloading dishes or belt out the "new" California Girls song that seems to be on more than most.. I've got a spatula and lots of enthusiasm.

Here's the problem..beyond there, I am in no way able to affiliate these songs w/anything other than my precious 12, 9, and 1 year olds boot scootin' through the house.. So when I went out with some friends last night & they wanted to dance I felt so ridiculous on the floor. I've always had a problem dancing anyway. Give me a few drinks & I loosen up enough to know that I'm not good, but suddenly I don't care. However, last night, being the DD and then on top of that hearing every single song that we have on our playlist I just couldn't turn off the nagging "Mom, you're embarrassing me" voice in my head. That, or I'd see people provocatively dancing to a song my little 9 year old sings better than the pop singer & think about her precious little face. Or Andrew & his friends changing the words to goofy ones instead. Or the littlest, bouncing up and down clapping with so much enthusiasm I can't help but laugh a huge belly laugh.

I'm old. I'm okay with that. My kids are the age viewed as what's new & fresh. Idea makers & style creators. They're what the pop music industry are targeting for album sales. I don't want to be the mom of teenagers who won't let loose the grips of the "But I was young and hip once too!" fears that so many go through. I am truly enjoying parenting my tweens & toddler, and although I like to go out-love to have "me" time, I don't understand dressing skimpy or grinding up to people I really don't know and would never see again. I. Just. Don't. Get it. Nor do I need to-I shall enjoy this second phase of my life & embrace friends, family, and a good song to scrub the pots & pans to.