‘Tween-i-ness

When I was younger — can’t remember if I was a ‘tween or a teen, but somewhere in there — I said something smart to my mom, who grabbed me by the chin and said, in a low, angry voice, “Let me tell you something, little girl.” I can’t remember what words came after that, but I know it was an epic take-down (like this but mother-to-daughter).

Years after that, we’d laugh about the incident. I never understood what would make my mom do that. But today, as the mother of a sassy ‘tween, I understand. I feel it in my bones.