New Year, New Teen: The Countdown to Letting Go of Childhood

New Year, New Teen: The Countdown to Letting Go of Childhood

With the calendar change to 2026, one mom is already starting to mourn her daughter's childhood as she gets ready to turn 13.Kimberly ZapataFor the past 12 years, I thought I had everything—and nothing!—figured out. I remember giving birth to my daughter and having no idea what to do with the wriggling newborn they placed on my chest. I floundered through feedings and diaper changes. I struggled to get her on a sleep schedule, and I worried endl…