My Teenage Daughter became My Best Friend

I don’t know how it happened or even when it happened, but it definitely happened.

When my daughter was born, most of the other kids in the family were nearing their teen years, so there were no cousins to play with and no brothers or sisters. What was I to do? I played. I sat on the floor and played anything she asked. I went outside and played anything she asked. I was her best friend. I played hide and seek, doctor, baby dolls, restaurant, and grocery store. I pretended to be horses, cats, and dogs. I slept on the floor under forts and outside in tents. I colored and had imaginary friends. She did my makeup and hair and painted my nails until I looked like a Smurf. I was literally her best friend.

She grew. Things changed. Barbies turned into phones. Campouts in the yard turned into sitting on her bed talking until three in the morning. We talk about hair, makeup, boys, school, and friends. We talk about everything and anything. We text, share TikTok videos, photos, and Snapchat conversations. We laugh and have the best time together.

She has become my best friend.

My precious little girl has turned into a beautiful teen. When it happened? I do not know. How it happened? I do not know. Do I miss her constant desire for me to play with her? Of course I do. Do I realize I may no longer be her best friend? Yes I do. I am so proud she has a life beyond me. When and how it happened, I will never know. It just happened.

So cherish those babies and toddlers while you have them. Time will go faster than you can imagine. Don’t let the fact that they are growing up upset you though. I promise the day you realize you have a new best friend will make all those missed memories less painful. Enjoy every phase of life, but also be excited for growth and new phases. You never know what will happen next, but enjoy your new best friend.

I don’t know how it happened or even when it happened, but it definitely happened. I used to be her best friend, but she has now become mine.