Recently, we took our 14-year-old daughter, Mia, on a week-long trip to the beautiful North Shore of Oahu. While some parents might dread spending that much time with a teenager, we genuinely enjoy Mia’s company. She’s polite, doesn’t have dramatic meltdowns, and her eye-rolling is pretty minimal.
After a relaxing week on the Big Island, my husband and I felt rejuvenated and excited to share our favorite spots with Mia. We’ve been to the North Shore many times and love its easygoing atmosphere. However, we soon noticed that Mia seemed quite anxious. She mentioned feeling “out of place” and was overly concerned about sun exposure (that’s my job, right?). It was hard for her to truly soak in the surroundings and enjoy the moment, which worried me since I remember my own teenage years being filled with carefree fun.
Instead, Mia appeared constantly distracted, not by the stunning beach scenery, but by a mental checklist of worries about starting school, applying to high schools, and preparing for the ISEEs. I tried to reassure her that those concerns would still be there when we returned, so why not relish her time away? But she shook her head, unconvinced.
We took a stroll along Haleiwa beach, where giant Hawaiian sea turtles bask in the sun. It’s a rare sight, but Mia glanced over, nodded, and quickly turned back to the condo. The next day at Sunset Beach was no different; she fretted over the waves being “too big” (they weren’t) and complained about the sand’s warmth. She even expressed frustration about not getting help with her boogie board. My husband and I decided to keep enjoying ourselves and hoped she’d eventually join in.
The turning point came at Waimea Bay. In the winter, it’s known for its colossal waves and surfers, but in summer, it’s a playground for families. The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sometimes, you might even see dolphins performing acrobatics. One of the biggest attractions is a massive lava rock rising about 30 feet from the beach, where thrill-seekers jump into the water below. I’ve taken the leap myself a couple of times, and let me tell you, it’s a mix of exhilaration and dread!
Mia had initially dismissed the idea of jumping off the rock, claiming it “wasn’t her thing.” But once we arrived, she couldn’t help but watch those braver than her hesitating at the top. Finally, she announced to my husband, “I’m going to jump off that rock.” Climbing up, she positioned herself behind a big guy (yikes!), and then… she jumped.
She resurfaced with a grin, describing her landing as “like hitting a bidet on the highest setting.” It was a moment of triumph, and her mood instantly brightened. Cheers to the Waimea rock for giving her a much-needed jolt!
As I watched Mia, I hoped that witnessing her parents relax and have fun could help her rediscover the joy of play. For much of our trip, she seemed more like an overworked adult than a carefree teenager, which worried me. After all, there won’t always be a rock to leap from to remind her to embrace the moment. In the end, I realized that teaching her to relax and enjoy life might be one of the most valuable lessons I can share.
For those interested in parenting tips, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits and learn more about the journey of motherhood. If you’re looking for authoritative guidance on self-insemination, Make A Mom has great resources. For insight into pregnancy and fertility, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is a fantastic resource.
In summary, it’s important to encourage our teens to embrace playfulness and let go of their worries. Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith—whether off a rock or into new experiences—to remind them of the joy of being present.