"Tweens"

Meet Buddy. I'm not sure if I've ever posted pics of Buddy before. Buddy is Munchkin #2's hamster. My Munchkin #2 is into hamsters, drawing, sports, and her dolls.

I am more than bit bothered by some of the junk I see in pop culture. I'm also bothered by just how many mums out there think it's totally ok for their daughters to idolize the fake role models in pop culture. I remember my mum thinking Madonna's albums were totally rotten junk. Well, that's nothing compared to the music videos that are out now.

Living in the Middle East, it is more socially acceptable here to 'cover up'. I never thought I would find this environment more comfortable for raising a daughter. But, I do have moments that I'm happy we're here.

But.....she and I read Vogue Magazine together. We talk about the clothes. What does she think about this ad or that ad? I try to give her space to discuss and ask questions about what she sees in the magazines. We talk about how the pictures in magazines are not 'real' - that they have been so photoshopped that they are no longer 'real'.

Am I ever afraid I'm messing up/making mistakes as a mum? Yes, I do worry I'm not doing something right. I love my children more than I can possibly explain.

So for now, I'm thrilled that my daughter is into hamsters, drawing, sports and dolls. She hates shopping for clothes; she thinks it is horrid bad boring stuff. Yippeee!

Here's to shopping for dolls and doll clothes!

Peace.