5 Notes to my Teenage Me…(and my teenage daughter)

Ever since I found out I was having a girl, I’ve been thinking a lot of about teenage me.
Mostly because I’m afraid of karma biting me in the tush.

Hard.

I wasn’t a bad girl by any means, but I had my own form of rebellion and I certainly had a mouth on me.  I have everything crossed (fingers, toes, eyes), hoping that Malia isn’t hard on me when she becomes a teenager.  Luckily I have some time to thwart her…..

So if I had Charmed powers and could go back in time to offer some advice to my teenage me, here’s what I’d say:

• Go to class.  Oh my, I spent a LOT of time cutting class when I got my driver’s license.  A lot of time.  What a waste!  Today, I’m thirsty for knowledge and love learning new things.  Value everything that you learn.  Even if you don’t find a need for it, learning will build your passion for more.  The more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know enough.
• Stop yearning for a relationship and just hang out, meet lots of people.  I’d rather tell her not to date at all and just focus on school, sports or fun with friends, but let’s be a little realistic.  Enjoy a movie, a dance or ice cream.  Get to know people.  Get to know yourself.  Get to know what you like and don’t like.  And it’s okay to go to the school dance with a friend.  In fact, you’d probably have more fun. If you get your heartbroken, value what you had, learn a lesson and take the time to move on. 
• Speaking of school dances, go to them!  And to football games, spirit games (do they still have those) – participate in as many activities as you can.  Spend as much time away from the phone or television. 
• Talk to a lot of people.  Ask a lot of questions.  Learn early on the skill of communication, networking and socializing.  It will help you far more than you realize.  People aren’t as intimidating as you may think.  So walk into a room full of people and introduce yourself.
• Do your chores.  Believe it or not, it’s the easiest time of your life.  So accept the few responsibilities given to you and do your chores, including your homework.  It not only teaches you responsibility, but it gives your parents a much needed break.