Teenagers

Teenage girls…what can you say about ’em? They’re emotional, they’re giggly, and they’re trying to find themselves. The teenage years are so difficult. Would I do them over again? No way! So as I stand by watching my daughter go through them, I feel a tug at my heart strings whenever she’s hurting. I remember how difficult it was for me, and some of the problems I encountered are the same ones she’s going through right now.

How do you tell a friend they can’t cheat off of your test without becoming a target of “Don’t be such a goody goody”?  How do you tell a friend, “Can you please stop cursing. It’s making me uncomfortable.”? How do you tell the cutest boy in your class, “No, I won’t go out on a date ’til I’m 16.”?

For teenagers, it’s so hard to find where you fit in, and sometimes it’s hard to be courageous when you’re alone. Friends may abandon you because of the good choices you make. Why is making a good choice a bad thing? It’s not, and it shouldn’t be, but for some reason in middle school it is. Friends during the teenage years come and go, but as parents, we will always be there.

I think one of the best parts of being a parent of a teenager is when there is a good line of communication between the two of you. It helps them feel that they have someone who will listen to them, will answer their questions honestly and, they know that we will also be there to give them boundaries when needed. Their teenage friends are great but, they don’t always have the same perspective on life or the foresight to know what might be around the corner waiting for them.

As parents, we should be an example to them and for them. Let them make their choices and be ready to pick them up when they fall. Let them know in you they have a cheerleader, they have someone who’ll listen to them, but most of all that they have someone who will always love them.

QUESTION: Are you currently raising teenagers? What are some the good things that go along with that stage of motherhood? What advice would you give to those that aren’t to that stage yet?

CHALLENGE: Share your insights below!

About Lisa Hawkins

Married for 16 years to a wonderful husband. We have a 14-year-old daughter, Maddie. She is such a joy to have in my life. I also have a 12-year-old son, Sean, who makes me smile with his inquisitive mind about the world we live in. The best part of being a mom is the little things my children do to show me they love me and appreciate what I do for them. It might be toast in the morning, little notes, or just big hugs and kisses. In the end any and all of it just make me smile.