15 year old girls!

[Albea]

Logan, Candy, and some of the other Pettalkers have given you great advice. I haven't personal experience with kids of that age but, because of something terrible that happened to a 13 year-old girl in Connecticut this week, I would like to add this: Keep an eye on her when she is in the Internet or talk to her about the dangers of communicating with sleazy or dangerous people in chat rooms. I know this will be difficult without encroaching in her "space." However, if you can prevent a tragedy, it will be worth it. Sorry to bring up this subject, I was very shaken by the story of this girl and thought it was appropriate to tell you about it.
Tonya had the right idea about having your niece do something with or for animals. As a friend of mine says: give a girl a horse and you'll never have to worry about her being in bad company.
Good luck!!!

[anna_66]

Albea, yes, this we've talked about also (computers). I know that we can block all or most of the sleezy stuff. If there is anything anyone can tell me about this I would appreciate it.
I know she loves our dogs, that might be an option, working somehow with dogs, I'm just not sure how we would get into it. Again, if anyone know how, let me know! And yes, that is one of my biggest fears, that she will get bored. I remember how it was to be that age & you think there is nothing to do, so, you end up getting in trouble. I've talked to her mom & dad & they say she don't want anything to do with school stuff (I was the same way!) and I don't want to try and push her into anything. I guess what I'm saying is I don't know at this time what to say to her, to try and get her involved in anything. I fell like I sound so stupid!
And shopping, she loves it!! Whenever we'd go, I'd give her so much and she was really good about not asking me for more. She would walk around forever before she decided on something! I am really excited, worried, scared and many more emotions I can't even explain! Thank you all so so so much for your opinions. I think they will really help! Keep posting if you think of anything else!~Anna~

[Gepansy]

Well, since I'm really close to that age, I guess maybe telling you some of the things I like might help.
I love to go shopping and look in pet stores.
Maybe going and doing some things with friends, or going to the movies, or perhaps bowling?!?!
My friends and I usually go bowling more than the movies because it gives us a chance to talk, ect.
I don't know what all you have where you live...but I still hope this helps!


Alyssa

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by Albea
As a friend of mine says: give a girl a horse and you'll never have to worry about her being in bad company.

nope! the ER guys are pretty nice!! {{kidding}}


do ya think your friend would talk to my parents AFTER I get outta this cast?! lol

[Rachel]

Originally posted by anna_66
Gini~Yes, she will be having responsibilities, but I'm not really sure about that. I do want her to keep her room clean, clean up any messes she make & things like that, but I'm not sure what else, any advice on that?

At 15, she's old enough to be aware that life doesn't come with a maid. Make a list of some things that are done on a weekly and daily basis and then ask her which chores she would be willing to take on as part of the family. Being a contributing member of the household will not only help her into the transition from child to adult but it will make her feel useful and needed.

This is also an age where she might like to acquire some cooking and or baking skills. This would be an activity you and she could share and enjoy together. She might want to learn how to prepare some of her favorite dishes or prepare a whole meal by herself. I wish I would have had someone to take me under their wing in this respect.

She will want to spend a lot of time with friends, but reserve some time for her to spend with you and your husband as well, because for all intents and purposes, you are now her family. This might take some effort on your part to seek out activities that you all could enjoy together, but it will expand your own universe a bit as well.

[anna_66]

Originally posted by rg_girlca
I think it is great of you Logan.

rg_girlca: Just so noone thinks it's Logan doing this, it's me! Anna! Me and Mark! Just wanted to get things straight.

Originally posted by zippy-kat
do ya think your friend would take to my parents AFTER I get outta this cast?! lol

zippy-cat:I'm not sure what your talking about!


Thanks for the other thoughts on what to do Alyssa!

I won't add here really much , as everything has been said !!



Just wanna wish you a great time and , just be firm and be yourself ..... !!

LUT

ps. I have a 13 year-old daughter and a 17 year-old son !

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by anna_66

[color=slateblue]zippy-cat:I'm not sure what your talking about!

eek! that's what typing with one finger will do to a person--I meant TALK not take! lol

I would love to have a horse--wish Albea's friend would talk my parents into buying one!

as for the ER (where I had to go when I fell off the horse I was riding (and broke my wrist)), the guys in there aren't bad company at all....S-L-O-W but friendly lol

[anna_66]

Originally posted by zippy-kat
eek! that's what typing with one finger will do to a person--I meant TALK not take! lol

Ok, NOW I understand!! Thanks for clearing that up!!!
And Lut, Thanks!!!

[rg_girlca]

Anna_66. I am so sorry if i upset you with the error i made. Why i put Logan's name is beyond me. I'm sorry Logan. I'll make sure i never make that mistake again.

[anna_66]

No problem, and it didn't upset me at all, just wanted to get eveything straight!

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by anna_66
I know she loves our dogs, that might be an option, working somehow with dogs, I'm just not sure how we would get into it.

I know you have trained Roxey some because she passed her CGC test...did you take classes to do this? The place we use has classes in agility, compition obdience and therapy dog work. Maybe you could find a place there that offers these type classes and your neice could train Roxey for one (or more) of these that would suit both her and Roxey's personality. We also have a weekly drop in fun and games class that they teach the dog new tricks, play games, teach some freestyle, flyball, agility, whatever seems like fun that night.

I remember some of the stuff my paretns went through with my sister (and I am sure me and my brother too) but I was 21 hen my sister was 15, so I had a little different understanding of things...it was a tough time. She went through a lot at that age. I wish you lots of luck! Although it won't all be easy, I am sure you and Mark will do great!

[anna_66]

After all this I forgot to show you a pic of me and my beautiful great niece! She doesn't look 15 does she?!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Your niece is beautiful! And Tall!!!! You will be a great influence in her life.

[AmberLee]

Uh-oh! You two have matching mischievious (sp?) grins. Could be trouble when you get going!

I think this is going to be a slightly challenging, and wonderful experience. {{{hugs for all of you!}}}