Every time I hear the line, "Save the drama for your mama," I cringe. I would much rather get to miss out on at least some of the drama, at least some of the time. However, when you have daughters, you don't have a choice. It is important to listen to young girls, even when they're being drama queens, and here's why: If you don't listen, somebody else will.

Yes, someone else will hang on your daughter's every word, every sigh, every facial expression, and every little dramatic pose she pulls. This might be a guy from school who wants to "get to know" your daughter (as well as he knows half the other girls in the class) or it might be a predator online. It could be a friend or teacher. It could be a someone who would like your child to experiment with a same sex relationship. You just don't know.

If you do want to encourage your daughter to avoid jumping into any type of sexual experience too soon, you need to pay attention. You need to lavish attention on her and listen to her high school soap opera style sniveling. You don't want her to look for attention and affection from people who may not have her best interests at heart, so suck it up. It's going to be a while.

As much as your daughter's never ending drama may be making Mama (or Daddy) crazy, it is important to hear her. It is important that she knows you hear her, that you care, and that you are available. She will grow out of it someday, at least in part, but for now this is her way to getting what she needs at home. If you want to make sure she continues getting her emotional needs met at home, listen.

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