Whilst offspring are all different there are some common threads like-
Sibling rivalry/comparison - How come he (older brother) is allowed to do x and I'm not, or he got y and I didn't? This is the only time you can depend on them to recognise the actual cost of anything.
Parental guilt trip- Well Chelsea, Tamara, Michelle, etc, etc's parents all let them do x whenever they want... Basically why are you trogs not up to pace with the times and modern parenting? A subsequent chat with said parents shows their daughters including yourselves in exactly the same line of argument.
Parents never existed in any other form before they were parents- Where have you been/what have you been up to girl and don't give me any of your fancy stories because I can look into your eyes and know instantly if you're not telling me the truth....(drivel with the eyes thingy but I sure will know because I've used them all before at your age dummy)
Then there's the gender difference between individual parent and particular offspring but that's a theme for a book, sufficeth to say dad, your daughter is growing up and practising to be a woman and you're it at present feller.
If you've ever owned a cat you'll quickly get the picture. Wants something and it's all purr purr and rubbing up against you with Daaaaaad.....? Otherwise it's busy and aloof and you're to be ignored altogether so don't bug the cat or it'll be all reowwwr, spitfffft and claws, particularly if you stray into their personal domain. Try and savour the memories of Barbie dolls, hugs and kisses and whatever emotional scraps are thrown your way when they want something urgently, like they've locked their keys in the car at 3am way across town. Remember she will be with friends so do not wear your pyjamas/dressing gown and only speak to them if spoken to.
