Third grade seems a little young... but friendships are a very important part of Jordan's life and her self-confidence. I've tried to analyze her recent behavior challenges in school and I realize a lot of it leads to her hopes to be liked by everyone. It is fascinating to me because she's spent more of her young life being okay as someone who stands out and is unusual. But beyond being known, the "like" part of a relationship is more important to her these days.And she's making really silly choices to connect with "friends." I don't consider them friends but she needs to figure that out on her own.In the meantime, I'm grasping at information and ways to offer Jordan more logic. That's why I left a comment with Jessica Cox on Facebook. She's a woman who was born without arms who is a pilot, competes in martial arts and is an all around kick-butt woman. She had opened up a thread and invited anyone to ask questions.

"Hi, Jessica! I'm the mom to this firecracker, Jordan. She's going through a stage where she wants to be like all the other girls, doing silly things to fit in. She's always been proud of being different, but third grade is tricky. I know you have family support, just like Jordan. But in the end, it's all about how you feel inside. How did you learn to accept and celebrate being you?"

Jessica's response was pretty great and it reminded me that Miss Jordan is just getting into the start of a lifelong process of accepting herself:

"This was a very long process. Each person has their own journey. I decided to start asserting my self esteem in 8th grade when I stopped wearing my prosthetics. It still took many years before I was confident in my own skin. As a parent I encourage you to continue to support your daughter and you will watch her blossom. Look up the International Child Amputee Network too."

I thanked her and let her know I have the awesome support of this community and the Camp No Limits and Nubability Athletics families (where Jordan has some really wonderful mentors). This reminds me how I have raised Jordan so far... I have stepped back and let her figure things out on her own. I'm going to have to let her figure out a way to accept herself... It's a process every child has to go through. It isn't a limb difference thing.I say this often to my friends. This parenting thing is not for the faint of heart. Obviously I can't rant and complain all the time about being an official mom of a tween daughter on this blog or on social media. (I never imagined almost-nine as a tween until lately.) It isn't fair to Jordan or our family. I don't plan to document each and every challenge Jordan faces but I do think it's fair to not hide from reality. Growing up isn't a pretty process. I want to be honest to a point. But this is the kind of growing up stuff that will lead Jordan to hating me for writing about her. I will always keep Born Just Right real. I promise.