- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Turning Points for Better and Worse
Facing Anorexia, Dishonesty and Separation
An Excerpt (Part Two)
By Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D.
One evening toward the end of the week, I was sitting alone on the beach thinking about our relationship, feeling frustrated and sad. My daughter was slipping through my fingers while I felt powerless to stop her from doing so. I heard voices and laughter coming toward the beach from behind me. A group of adolescents were walking on the beach, so occupied with themselves they didn't notice me. Especially occupied were Tiffany and Thomas, a sweet and charming boy a few years older. They were walking closely together, with his arm around her. I watched them from the distance, seeing the circle of boisterous energy the little group made.
The others noticed me first. I heard them squeal, "Tiffany, your mother ..." elbowing her and pointing in my direction. She quickly slid out from under Thomas's easy embrace.
I called her over to me. The group split apart not knowing quite where to go, but certain Tiffany was in big trouble. She stopped a few feet away from me, looking sullen and ashamed at the same time.
I said, "Tiffany, did Thomas have his arm around you just now?"
"Yes," she replied in a challenging, if somewhat shaky, voice.
"Did you want him to put his arm around you?"
Again, "Yes."
"Did you think there was anything wrong with his putting his arm around you until you saw me?"
"No." She wondered what I might be getting at. These questions were not what she expected. "Then don't ever let me catch you going against what you think is right, no matter who is involved. Not even if it's me."
She stared at me in disbelief, trying to reconcile my stern tone with the grace of y message. Tears filled her eyes as she stared hard, seemingly right through me.
