I am the mother of a 15 year old daughter. She is the light of my life and I would be lost without her. Our relationship is complex at times and simple at others. She is 15 going on 25, which sometimes makes discipline tricky.

It gets complicated when I have to put my foot down and say "No". She will usually give me an attitude, which I don't particularly like and then go to her room and shut the door. Because I have been blessed with such a cool kid, I sometimes feel guilty when this happens. I force myself not to give in and she will always come to me and say "sorry", grudgingly; but I'll take it.

The lines have already started to blur a little between friend and parent, which I did not expect to happen this soon. I have always maintained that I was a parent first, and a friend when I could be. I knew our relationship would change as she got older, but I figured the "friend" stage would hit when she was in her twenties.

I find myself on a delicate balancing act to make sure I remain her mother first. She talks to me about everything and we are both very honest with each other. Sometimes I think I give her too much information, and shouldn't tell her some of the things that I do. This is a complication of having a daughter that is wise beyond her years. I make the mistake of thinking I am talking to a buddy, and I have to pull back and remind myself that she is my daughter.

I have started asking her what she really wants to know. We talk about boys, sex and dating all the time. I try not to over react, even though I am screaming inside, "No, you can't be serious!" We are not supposed to be having talks about sex this soon. You need to wait until you are 18.

I don't even know where the age of 18 comes from. It seemed a good number at the time I said it, but I don't think it's realistic. She has the desires and urges, which I know I have to deal with head on. I cannot duck my head under the covers on this subject, even though that's what I want to do.

This is all where the relationship gets complex and I find myself wondering if I am too honest with her. Maybe I should just tell her that we will talk later, but I am afraid to do that. I want to be the one she comes to no matter what. I want that door wide open with no lock on it so she knows I am always there for her.

I think life can be very hard and stressful for teenage girls and that creates tension at home if not handled properly. We have to understand their bodies are changing almost as fast as their minds. I distinctly remember my teenage years and the feelings and emotions that I had. I know how miserable I was on some days and excited at others.

She cannot wait for her first date, first kiss, first boyfriend and driver's license. I am absolutely terrified of all these things, but I know she needs to have it all and experience everything for herself.

Because I relate so well to her, we have an amazing connection that is deep and I believe, lasting.

I look at her and reminisce about the baby she was, the little girl that I had, and the young woman she is becoming. I would not trade any moment I have had with her, even the arguments.

It can be love one day and intense dislike the next, but despite the roller coaster ride I'm on, I will take an E ticket any day over not having my daughter at all.

Learn more about this author, Laurie Miles.
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