An unavoidable truth of motherhood is that our precious little babies do not stay that way for very long. No matter how much we wish we could freeze the process and stop their aging, we can’t and they will grow up.
Thirteen years ago my first Princess was born. I remember looking at the tiny preemie baby in my arms and wondering in horror how I was going to take care of her! She was my initiation into motherhood and yes there were quite a few bumps and rough patches (GASP) as I learned my way.
This year is a big year for my oldest she has entered 7th grade and will be turning 13 next week. How could she have grown so fast from this,
To this!
On another note, how could I be old enough to have a middle schooler?? That’s just not right!
So no expert am I on parenting teenagers, but here are a few of the truths I have found out about living with a teen:
1. At this stage your teen probably has all of the answers for everything. Sadly, you are not truly as wise or all knowing as they are. It’s best to accept this state and smile, your Mother and Father did and karma has a way of repaying us our past sins, no?
2. You do not own the radio in whatever vehicle you are driving in. Luckily my girl and I have similar tastes in music, but if I have to listen to Katy Perry crooning ROAR one more time, so help me…….
3. Your driving now stinks and your teen will more than likely inform you of it, repeatedly.
4. A good way to bring humility back into your teen’s life is to roll the windows down while driving and sing loudly at the top of your lungs, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” or other such songs.
My husband and I have also found a very effective way to promote good teenaged behavior is to threaten showing up at their school and perform a choreographed song and dance routine. We have chosen this as our piece and it’s still in play for the first time we drop her off at High School.
I KNOW we would do an awesome job!
5. Technology! Their unrelenting dedication in the search for “wisdom” on their phones, Kindles, laptops and iPad is truly something to behold, just not at dinner time, in the car, hiding with them in their beds when they should be sleeping or seeing a piece of technology laying right outside the shower door should someone need to contact them while they are in there.
Luckily, my teen is a really good girl and she and I are great friends. A few nights ago she and I were chatting about the new Dora show on Nickelodeon. She was sad to see her hero of younger years growing up, but very wisely she looked at me and said. ” I guess everyone grows up Mom”.
Yes, yes they do my lovely.
If you are the mother of a middle schooler enjoy the ride and good luck!
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
