MESSAGE TO MY PNG DAUGHTER

You are now 15 years old and changing day by day. Your first big change came recently when you announced to your dad that you wanted him to buy pads at the store.

You thought your father was a silly old twit when he asked how many pages in the exercise book. Not those pads, dad. Your father felt the need to explain to you about periods but you already knew.

Only four years ago, he worried when you went to the next street without telling him where you were. Now you want to go clear across town with your girl friends.

Your father finds out where you are only when you turn your mobile phone on. Where are you? We are on our way home dad. But where are you?

At least you are with your two girl friends. I hope there is some safety in numbers. You have been told of the dangers of young girls catching taxis.

I am glad you have a best girl friend. Both of you have spent the last four years hating, fighting and making up. It was all about jealousy as to who was whose best friend.

You went to town with another friend and your best friend was cross. The following month she did the same to you. The problem was that you valued each other.

You are both becoming interested in boys. Both of you like the cute boy down the street. He is different from all the other pushing and shoving boys at the school.

Both of you are growing away from your parents. You my daughter would not want to be seen dead in town with your father. You still love him and know exactly whom to ask when you need money.

You do not always tell him the truth which is not good. One day you will be in trouble in one place and you told your father you were somewhere else.

You are starting to commit yourself to school as you realize that test results are becoming part of your formal assessment.

You now have boys wanting to be phone friends. You spend so much time on facebook and talking on the phone. But your interpersonal skills are growing. You are becoming a cool chick.

But your life is in balance. You have girlfriends who are so important to you. Some will remain friends into adult life. You will meet in town and talk about husbands and babies.

You no longer think boys are grotty, rude, smelly and pushy. Your love for your girl friend does not mean you are lesbian. You are a normal young girl growing and developing an identity.

The foreign lesbians will want to tell you that you and your girl friend are lesbian. You have my permission to tell them they are creeps and to push off.

The cute boy down the road is starting to shave and use deodorant. That’s a good sign.