It's not a secret.
Life with teens is not my favorite season of parenthood. Despite the fact that my teens are kind and empathetic and, for the most part, good young people...parenting teenagers is hard. Like, really hard.
To be honest, I don't think it's easy being a teen in this day and age, either.
Last night I was organizing some files in my office and four teens come into the house (three of whom are not of my own creation) and I just listen...
"OMG I need to use the bathroom."
"Hurry up, I'm next!"
"Oooooh, strawberries! Can I have some?"
...and I smile.
Next, all four of them run into my office. One gives me kisses and the other three say "Hi Mom!" while one hands me a teddy bear to snuggle (that's a whole other story).
Then they're gone. Off to the basement to play video games or Foosball. I can hear them laughing and carrying on through the floor.
...and I smile.
As difficult as it is to live with teens and as much as I dislike so much of teenagehood--the pressure, the attitude, the hormones, the opinions, the pushing of boundaries, the attitude should be mentioned twice--there is joy.
Some days I have to look really hard, but it's there.
When a gaggle of near fully grown humans arrive feeling welcome to the facilities, the snacks, the space and, most importantly, feeling welcome to relax and just be themselves...
I'm happy to be The Place.
Always good to be the place they choose to hang. You’re doing good things, mama. Proud of you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh…exactly how I felt when I had teens…. They were always at my house .. sometimes 8-10 boys 😳 it was loud and there were some long evenings, but I loved knowing my home was where they chose to hang out!
ReplyDeleteYou’re doing everything right…..as hard as it can be at times.. you are an amazing mom of teens! 💕
As the mom of three, two which have flown the coop, I would give an appendage to have those moments back. Teenagers may be hard but dealing with adult children, long distance, is heart breaking. ❤️
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