As a mom of three, I’ve always strived to relish each stage of my kids’ lives. I get it; they grow up in a flash, and every phase is fleeting. It makes sense to focus on the bright spots of the season we’re in.
That said, I’ve had my favorites. The baby stage was delightful—minus the sleepless nights, of course. The toddler years were adorable, even with their fair share of tantrums and power plays. I cherished the preschool and early elementary phases, bursting with new words and amusing mispronunciations.
However, I must confess that my enthusiasm waned a bit during the elementary and preteen years. They felt a bit “meh” for me. Sure, there were wonderful moments, and my love for my kids remained constant, but the challenges of those middle years seemed to overshadow the fun. Many parents rave about the big-kid stage, but now that my first child is deep into her teenage years and my second is just on the brink, I can honestly say the teen years have become my absolute favorite. Yes, you read that right!
Teens often get a bad rap in society. They’re frequently seen as moody and rebellious. However, I haven’t experienced that with the teens I know, including my own. Surprisingly, stepping into this phase has been a relief after the often turbulent tween years.
I relish having genuine, adult conversations with my 16-year-old without needing to simplify my words to match her developmental stage. Her humor has evolved beyond the cringe-worthy, nonsensical jokes of earlier years. Coffee dates with her are a joy, and I appreciate how she’s beginning to take charge of her own life, contemplating her future with newfound seriousness. It’s exciting to see her world of possibilities expand.
Of course, not every moment is a walk in the park. The challenges we face now carry more weight than those of her younger years. As parents, we’re tasked with guiding her through more complicated issues that come with significant consequences. But the beauty of it is that we can discuss these topics openly, making them feel less intimidating for both of us.
Fostering open, loving communication has been a cornerstone of our parenting philosophy since our kids were small, and I believe we’re finally reaping the rewards now that they’re older. Our daughters approach us with their curiosities and dilemmas. They aren’t afraid to express their thoughts or even challenge us. We certainly haven’t nailed every aspect of parenting (not by a long shot), but I do think we got this one right, and it’s made a world of difference.
It’s also refreshing to see the “finish line” in sight. While parenting is a lifelong journey, the most demanding phases typically occur in the first 15 to 18 years. I love being a mom, but I also look forward to the time when my kids are grown and starting their own lives. As they gain independence, so do I. It’s a bittersweet feeling; sometimes, I wish I could freeze time. Yet, the scent of freedom is wafting closer. By the time my youngest reaches the age my oldest is now, I will have spent 24 years in the trenches of parenting. What a journey that’s been, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead—for them and for me.
Many people dread the teen years, but I’m here to share that it’s not always as daunting as it’s made out to be. Every family is unique, and while some teens can be challenging, there are plenty of fantastic ones out there too. It’s not a given that teenagers will give their parents endless grief. Sure, there’s worry—but grief? Not in my experience.
So far, the teen years have been a delightful surprise. Here’s hoping the same holds true for my other two kids when their time comes. Fingers crossed!
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out this insightful piece on this blog. And for those looking to understand more about the process, Make a Mom is a great authority on the topic. Finally, for valuable information on pregnancy, visit the CDC.
Summary
The author shares their unexpected enjoyment of the teen years, contrasting it with previous stages of parenting. They reflect on the benefits of open communication with their children and the unique joys and challenges that come with raising teenagers. Despite common stereotypes, they find this phase to be rewarding and look forward to the future.