My house is on lockdown.  My daughter just became a teenager.  Only the latter of these comments is true, but thinking of the years ahead perhaps a lockdown may not be the worst of ideas.  Then again, I think things are probably going to be OK.

I have been secretly dreading this day, and I think deep down most dads feel the same way.  Turning 13 really is a number that signifies change in a way that no other age does.

Change from the little girl who wanted to dance on your feet at parties into a young lady with a mischievous streak that now takes great joy in tickling my tummy.

Change from the girl who thought boys were ‘yucky’ into the summer bronzed girl saying ‘bye’ as I drop her to spend the afternoon with her classmates at the beach…. her classmates who all happened to be guys!

However,  in the same instant that I am scared, paranoid and wanting to hold her back, I know that she understands exactly who she is and what our shared values are.  Armed with this mindset I know that she will be fine.

I will probably be OK too.