As a parent, it feels like a lifetime since my little ones were small enough to fit in my arms. I do miss those early days—their sweet baby scent, chubby cheeks, and tiny toes. However, teenagers often receive a bad reputation. Yes, they can be moody, untidy, and occasionally emit an odor reminiscent of old socks. Yet, they bring so much joy and laughter into my life.
Here are ten reasons I’m thankful for my teenagers:
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Peaceful Mornings
Gone are the days of tiptoeing around a sleeping baby. The phrase “sleeping like a baby” is misleading. Babies are notorious for their restless nights. Teenagers, however, can sleep through anything—ringing doorbells, phone calls, or even me yelling their names at the top of my lungs. -
Stay Trendy Without Being Overwhelmed
There’s a memorable moment in Mean Girls where “cool mom” Amy Poehler seeks the latest gossip from her daughters’ friends. While I don’t follow her lead, my teens do keep me informed about what’s in vogue. When I attended a concert featuring Gavin Degraw, I was the only one in our group who recognized his songs and knew he wasn’t married to Gwen Stefani. -
Enjoy Long Dinners Together
I recall a dinner outing when my child was just an infant. I spent most of the time outside with a crying baby while my friend, who had no kids, peppered me with questions about the menu. Now, I can savor an entire meal without interruptions, which is a welcome change. -
No More Kids’ Shows
While Elmo and friends provided entertainment during those early mornings, I’m grateful to have moved past the days of watching endless repeats of shows like Dora the Explorer and Barney. I no longer need to endure the “Fruit Salad” song on a loop! -
Fewer Illnesses
During their preschool years, my little ones were like magnets for germs. I spent countless hours in the pediatrician’s office. Now that they’re older, I enjoy fewer visits to the doctor and less time dealing with runny noses and midnight fevers. -
Brutally Honest Feedback
Teens are unfiltered, especially when it comes to fashion. If I’m unsure about an outfit, I can always count on my teenagers to give me an honest opinion. If they compliment my sweater, I know it’s a keeper—but it may just disappear from my closet soon after! -
Tech Support at Home
My teenagers are my go-to tech gurus. They can troubleshoot my computer issues, help me download the latest apps, and even ensure my music playlist doesn’t embarrass me. My preteen son even introduced me to games like Trivia Crack and 2048, which keeps me entertained during carpool. -
Driving Independence
The first time my daughter drove alone was nerve-wracking. I held my breath until I received her text confirming she arrived safely. As she gained confidence behind the wheel, it became a relief not to be her chauffeur, especially during cold winter nights. -
Help with the High Shelf
It’s a strange feeling when you have to look up to talk to your child. Once my daughter surpassed me in height, I often wore heels to feel taller. However, having someone around who can reach the top shelves is quite convenient! -
Intellectual Stimulation
Teens challenge my thinking on various topics, from current events to sports. Helping my son with his homework rekindles knowledge I thought I’d forgotten. Engaging with their opinions on politics and global issues has made me reconsider my own perspectives.
While the early years of parenting can be delightful, the connections and experiences shared with older children are equally rewarding. I love attending Broadway shows or watching films like The Hunger Games with my teens. It’s a different kind of parenting, one that reminds me of the words from Casablanca: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
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In summary, parenting teenagers presents a unique set of challenges and rewards, allowing for deeper connections and shared experiences that enrich family life.