My kid hates me, and that's ok

Note: This is not my real child, though it very well could have been today. So, this perfect mom thing. The other day I released my e-booklet, THE PERFECT MOM, about how we aren't perfect but we are perfect for our kids. I want you to know that I really believe it. Even today. The day my thirteen-year-old hates me. And honestly, right now, I'm not a fan of her either. I had a talk with God today. More like, I talked at Him and gave Him my thoughts on everything (and perhaps complained a bit. Okay, a lot.) He didn't say much back. In part, I'm sure, because I didn't give Him time to. And, I'm sure, I wasn't in the right mood for answers. But, here's my take away anyway. God gave her to me to raise. I know there are other mothers who are more patient and kind, more intelligent and resourceful. But in His infinite wisdom, He wanted ME to raise her. He must have His reasons, and even though I don't always understand them, I choose to believe that He has faith in me, imperfections and all. I choose to lean on that fact right now, when the warm fuzzies and giggles are gone, because I know tomorrow will be better. And I know that He will help her in the ways that I can't. He and I, we're a good team. Still, it's so easy to doubt ourselves when things are hard, especially when the little ones we love struggle or are angry. We may even think that we are horrible mothers, thinking that if we were good moms our children will always make good choices and be happy. But that's a pile of dirt laundry. Our job is to teach them well. They have the right to choose. We can't force them, but it is our responsibility to enforce what's right. I told a good friend my daughter was upset with me today. She said, "Well, you're doing something right then." Most kids don't like chores, homework, discipline, or even natural consequences. They don't often like rules or limitations. And when parents enforce them, kids get frustrated. Especially as they enter the teenage years. The way I see it, I love my daughter. I'm her mom. Not her friend. Not her buddy. It's my job to teach her right and wrong, to teach her action and consequences, to teach her that doing what's right is better than being right. And sometimes that makes her mad. I've heard that if your kids don't get upset with you once in a while, either you're lucky or not doing your job. I believe it. So, I'm getting the scowls tonight. And that's ok. Being a mom is hard for a lot of reasons, your kids being mad at you is one of them. My kids hates me right now, and that's okay. I'll do my best and trust in God. She'll get over it. And I'll get over it. And we will learn together. In the meantime, I'm going to eat some carrots because today I started a healthy eating plan and I just sent all my ice cream and candy home with some missionaries who stopped by (pretty sure this has to be the most ill-timed diet ever), and repeat the mantra while clicking my heels three times: I'm not perfect, but I'm perfect for her. I'm not perfect, but I'm perfect for her. I'm no perfect, but I'm perfect for her. . . ​ Next day update: In the morning light she loves me again. I will bask in it while it lasts. Ah, teenagers. :)