My family has always been close. Especially my mom and I. I was her helper, the oldest girl, the consciencious one, the non-rebellious teenager. We've almost always agreed... on almost everything. So now, it's disorienting when I disagree or deviate. We don't have an established dynamic for that.
How do I communicate that I need some space, without hurting feelings? That I'm planning to wean my daughter sooner than Mom did, but I fully support what she did, too? Or that I'm not as persuaded by that herbal remedy we were all so excited about, now that I've researched it more? How do I convince my dad that I really don't need to be reminded to take my shower or refill my gas tank? I don't want to shove them away. I've seen kids who did that, and it hurt their well-meaning parents deeply.
Besides, it must be hard, after decades of parenting, to stop. I know they mean well. They care so much. But, I feel like it was easier for all of us to navigate adolescence. They were aware of my rising desire for autonomy, back then.
And then, I look at my Little Girl, and wonder... how on earth will I do this?
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