Dear Teen, I Hope You Look Back and See

To My Teens,

Being parented during the teen years can be hard. Our whole family wants it to go smoothly, but thorns sneak in, amongst the beauty, to prick and annoy as we learn how to work together, support one another, mature as individuals, and just do life.

I hate when we conflict.

And I know you do too.

But here’s what I hope.

Wish.

And pray.

That after you’ve launched.

Soared with wings outstretched, wind lifting you, and spectacular new views meeting your eyes.

You’ll look back and see…

Not just a mom who asked where you were going, wanted to get to know your friend’s families, and maintained curfews and healthy boundaries, but a mom who wanted to keep you safe.

Not just a mom who was always juggling work, meal planning, and switching the laundry, but a mom who took care of you.

Not just a mom with questions, but a mom who really wanted to know who you are and how you think.

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Not just a mom who made you do chores, finish homework, and stick with your commitments, but a mom who believed in you and found you highly capable.

Not just a mom who signed you up for sports and camps, but one who wanted to create a life-long joy of moving your body.

Not just a mom who encouraged you to be a joiner, but one who wanted you to discover your talents and passions.

Not just a mom who took you to church and talked about faith, but a mom who wanted you to grow up believing that God is with you, for you, and working in your life.

Not just a mom who required a movie night, a round of Uno, or a toes-in-the-sand vacation, but a mom who wanted you to grow close to your family through special moments.

Not just a mom who asked you put away your phone, come out of your room, and have dinner or hang out in the living room, but a mom who enjoyed your presence.

Not just a mom who got tired, cranky, said the wrong things, but a mom who was human and taught you what ordinary looked like, including saying you’re sorry, taking a break, and trying again.

My teen.

In many different ways.

From diverse angles.

I hope you look back and see…

That you had a mom who loved you.

With every single fiber of her being.

And that you were lucky to have such a mom.

Join this community of moms raising big kids…

Your brain bounces between your day at work, what time(s) your kids need to be at practice, your teen’s missing school assignments, that you haven’t called your mom lately, the load of the laundry to be switched, “What’s for dinner?” and “Why are 3 of my brain-tabs frozen?”

You are raising tweens and teens and college-age kids – the unique parenting phase where everything gets easier…and harder.

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Cheryl Donely

Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.