I look at my kid brothers, with their grubby hands (and faces), their tousled mops, and their sleep-lined faces (from taking a three hour nap; they had been up since before the crack of dawn), and I am suddenly glad that I am past that stage.

Everything has to be done for them: getting their dinner fixed.  Changing their diapers.  Dressing/undressing them.  Trying to keep them out of mischief (fat chance of that ever happening!).  Trying to keep them amused and finding ways to keep them interested.  

Meanwhile, I can choose what I want to wear, fix my own supper (cook it, too!), go and do whatever I want, and learn new things, if not at school, but every day.  Marius and Mason, my brothers, can't.  They're only one-and-a-half, barely past babyhood; there's still so much about this big, wide world that they don't know.

I had a good childhood.  I was very well loved, cared for, disciplined.  I learned right from wrong and I always had things to do or keep me occupied.  I had a wonderful circle of friends, both in the neighborhood and at school.  I went to church each and every Sunday.  I was treated extra special on days where I brought home a good report card from school, or on holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July.  I got spoiled on my birthday from my extended family: aunts, uncles, grandparents sent me money and plane tickets.  We went on memorable vacations that still make me smile each time I think about the fun I had.

My life is still good, but I am a teenager.  I am thirteen years old.  I am the oldest child: the next in charge underneath my parents.  I can do things that Marius and Mason (or my sister Mathilda, who is seven) cannot do, like have friends over on Friday nights, have sleepovers from time to time, watch scary movies (within reason, of course), go to sleepaway camp every June for a week in the Pocono Mountins, and go shopping on my own (or with friends) at the mall, where we hang out and have a good time.  

Even though I have a happy life, I still have to follow the rules.  Ten o'clock curfew; I have to be home no later than 9:45 when I go out.  Personal hygiene.  No cussing, drinking, or drugs.  No hanging around with "riff-raffs".  No bad report cards (try to keep my grades up to a C or above).  No taking advantage of my baby brothers or sister (or anybody else).  Be nice and friendly to people.  Encourage them.  Help a person who is in need.  Pray every day before bed (or whenever I feel like it).  If in trouble, tell the truth: don't ever lie.  Be in bed by 10:30 on school nights or on nights when I don't have sleepovers.  

As long as I abide by my parents, then I shouldn't have to worry.  It's only comon sense.

I like being a teenager because I have more rsponsibilities that my sister or brothers don't have.  I like being a teenager because I have the power/freedom to choose my activities.  I don't have to be stuck watching stupid kid's shows that are past the annoyance factor (Dora The Explorer, for one; I can't STAND that chica!); I can go to my room if Dora bothers me.  LOL

I loved being a kid, but I am glad that I am older now!  :)