It’s Starting Already

Let me start this article off by saying, “My daughter will not date until she’s married”.  I am not so sure my husband wants her dating at all.  We tend to be more protective of our daughter than our son.  There’s a prevalent fear that our daughter may one day meet “the wrong guy,” get involved with an unsavory crowd of characters, and consequently, ruin her life.  What could have possibly provoked this fear you ask?  Let me tell you. It all started at Friendly’s.

My daughter and I planned a girls weekend and to kick it off we were heading to Friendly’s for a nice dinner; just the two of us.  The weather was lovely that day and my daughter was delighted to wear her pink summer skirt and top.  She sported a matching pink headband and charming earrings of the same hue.  She put on her Hello Kitty necklace and was ready to tackle anything that got in her way.  When we got to the restaurant my daughter immediately noticed balloons at the cashier desk. She excitedly asked if she could take one. I explained that on our way out I would ask if it was okay to select a balloon. Satisfied with this response, she relented and we were soon seated in our booth.

She and I had a wonderful time talking about our upcoming plans that weekend while dining on the delish morsels in front of us.  As we were asking for the check, a boy of about nine years approached my daughter.  He asked her if she would like his balloon.  At first she was surprised and gave me a delighted look.  She thanked him for the balloon and he smiled and took off with is family. She kept telling me over and over she couldn’t believe she got a balloon. While it was a sweet act of kindness by the boy, I started to fret.  A family at a table next to us commented on what just took place.  “He’s been watching your daughter the whole time.”  My back was to the boy and his family so I was oblivious to his glances.  My little girl hadn’t cared who gave her a balloon as long as she got one.  I gather that she didn’t put too much stock into what the little boy did other than appreciate the nice gesture.  I’m sure it was an honorable and kind act, but man, I got nervous.  It sent alarm bells off for me.  This time was okay, but what happens when she’s older?  She’s only six and I don’t want her getting any attention.  What happens when she’s 16?  I am not prepared for what lays ahead.  She’s quite the girly girl so she begs for me to dab her lips with some gloss or a little blush here and there. I remind her constantly she’s too young for make up.

These little girls are growing up faster than we parents can handle. I don’t want to lose my mini-me who thinks its “cool” to match my outfits (how long is that going to last?).  I was at the school one afternoon picking up her big brother and a few of my daughter’s classmates walked by.  One of the boys waved to her.  I saw her do an airy wave and then her face blushed. She blushed!  Okay, that does it!  She’s not entering the first grade, not on my watch!  I need to stay vigilant and lock her in a tower until her hair grows real long.  Oh, it’s been done before, okay, nevermind, scratch that idea, but is there any peace that a parent can have knowing their little girl is growing up?  Is there a support group I should join to prepare me for what lies ahead?  I think I have to approach her upcoming years with wisdom and grace.   I pray that when she’s older and finally begins the dating process, it'll be simple and innocent.  Like enjoying an ice-cream with a boy at Friendly’s.