Discovering the Magic of Raising Teens
Heart-warming Moments with Teens
Do your teens ever take your breath away? Not in a negative way, but in those precious moments where you can't help but marvel at the incredible individuals you're raising. Lately, I've found myself experiencing more of these awe-inspiring moments with my own kids, which is very encouraging.
Teens often get an unfair rap, and I'll admit, as a young mum, I used to dread the teenage years. Perhaps it was because I still remembered the struggles and conflicts, I had with my own parents during my teen years. Unfortunately, society tends to view teenagers through a negative lens, which is a real shame.
Shifting Perspectives From Dread to Delight in the Teen Years
However, over the past couple of years, I've made a conscious effort to shift my perspective and transform my parenting style from being overly controlling (authoritarian) to be more understanding (authoritative). I've learned the hard way that no matter how much you try to control and discipline them, teens are bound to make mistakes. After all, their brains are still developing until the age of 25, and truth be told, even in the middle of my own life, I still find myself doing silly things from time to time.
We've also had our fair share of wake-up calls that have allowed me to see my children with more compassion. It's a challenging time for them, navigating puberty, a pandemic, lockdowns, social isolation, dealing with social media, and figuring out who they are - all at once.
So, I decided to ease off and my relationships with my kids have improved a lot. In fact, I'm almost grateful for the lows we've experienced as a family, as they have brought us to where we are today.
As I write this, my heart swells with pride and joy. My daughter just messaged me, sharing her love for her work experience, and witnessing her growing self-confidence brings tears to my eyes. Meanwhile, my youngest was chosen for a representative sports team, and another daughter recently passed her driver's license test. And my son is juggling his university studies with two part-time jobs, and he's doing brilliantly.
Cherishing the Teenage Journey
But it's not just the big moments that matter; it's equally important to appreciate the everyday experiences. Teens have a unique way of seeing the world – sometimes immature, but always refreshingly honest and liberating. Their love and loyalty for their friends is truly awe-inspiring. They're bold, courageous, and their willingness to take risks can be quite admirable (well, most of the time).
By embracing the journey and going with the flow instead of fighting them every step of the way, life becomes more harmonious. Of course, being a good role model and guiding them with love and sensibility are essential.
Ultimately, if you trust yourself to handle whatever comes your way as a parent, just as you have done up until this point, you can truly enjoy the experience of raising teenagers.
As another school term draws to a close in Sydney, Australia, and the much-awaited school holidays approach, I'm determined to soak up every ounce of joy with my kids and their friends. I love the sound of their laughter, the banter they share, and their vibrant youth. When viewed from a broader perspective, these moments hold far greater significance than the state of an unmade bed. After all, isn't that what bedroom doors are made for?
I hope you savour this time with your teens as well. Hopefully I can keep up this enthusiasm, right through the holidays, but you might just have to watch this space to find out!
The teenage years are an incredible journey filled with heart-warming moments. By shifting your perspective, embracing their individuality, and cherishing the everyday experiences, you can truly appreciate the joy and growth that come with raising teenagers.
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