Pre-Teen Help!

[Estefaniax]

Hey guys, I am a 30 yr old mom, nursing student and wife. My DD is 12 soon to be 13 over the summer, and I feel like I am going insane! I have anxiety and it's been so bad (mid-life crisis bad). Anyways, sometimes I sit here and just think where did my sweet baby go?! She just likes to be on her tablet (which i have now limited to two hrs daily) She never wants to do anything, or will tell me no with attitude, and then goes and does it without a problem. She used to make her own food, now she never wants to go downstairs and make anything. She does struggle with some social anxiety. Another thing that bugs me, is that she is always "idk" to everything; which might be part of the social anxiety, not wanting to be judged. But I will take any advice. I want to know that i am not alone here. That these teens get better eventually 😢😫

P.s she is my oldest, I have a DD 10, DS 5, DD 1 (soon to be two)

I feel your pain.

She sounds exactly like my three teenagers (DD17, DS15 and DS13 and soon my DD10). I keep thinking it is horrendously difficult and we must be the only ones… but then I remember the old programme (1980’s Kevin and Perry - when Kevin turns 13), and realise this is just the way it is.

What makes it worse, I think, is knowing that under all that teenage sassiness is the girl / boy that would be enthusiastic about simple things like splashing in puddles. They used to want my attention and time. Now it is all about friends. It makes me sad.

I remember being a terrible teenager, and now it is my turn to suffer! However, I was a lot more civil after I moved out and went to University, so I am waiting for them to reach that stage.

I would love some hints and tips too.