Nine Things My Nine Year Old Has Taught Me

It's perfectly ok to wear clothes that do not match sometimes. Seriously, the fashion police will not come and get you if you pair a pink striped top with aqua blue polka dot shorts. If you feel happy and pretty in these clothes, then it shows. And Marc Jacobs could not pick out a better ensemble.

If you have an interest and want to join something, you don't need anyone else to do it with you. You will make friends! And even if you don't, it doesn't take away from the experience. (I think I may sign up for that knitting class after all)

Your problems are your problems at any age. Trying to squeeze an extra week out of my food budget for the month is my problem. Her best friend didn't pick her to be her partner in gym today. That is her problem. Both are important and valid.

The world will not fall apart if once in a while you have dessert without eating every last bite of dinner. I think the ice cream even tastes sweeter that way.

After working hard all week, there's no reason to feel guilty for spending the better part of Saturday in pajamas watching movies. Your mind and body truly need that sometimes. And the dust will still be there tomorrow!

It's nearly impossible to walk out of a dollar store with spending at least ten dollars. And it's a fun way to spend an hour.

Adults need to be a good example every day. There is always a little person listening and watching and they mimic us socially. Being a parent is an awesome responsibility and we can't expect the best of our children if we don't give the best of ourselves.

A hamster will escape in less than five minutes if the cage door is left open. (And there are approximately 983 places in a house for it to hide)

A hug is truly the best medicine for all kinds of ailments whether it is bruised knees or bruised feelings; there isn't anything you can buy on the shelf of a drugstore that is more comforting than a hug from someone who loves you.

I have only listed nine things here. The reality is that my daughter has taught me many more things. I hope as she gets older, the difference between what she has taught me and what I have taught her, gets a little smaller. Because right now, I think she may be winning.