I think one of the most difficult things to do as a parent of a teen is watch your child have to learn things the hard way. But honestly, sometimes it is the only way for life lessons to be taught.
In fact, some of the greatest lessons and opportunities for growth come through challenging times. Yet they are very painful, as I recently expressed in my blog, “What I Learned from my Child’s Pain.”
It isn’t easy to convey what is in my heart without completely divulging my daughter’s personal business, so I will definitely have to tow the line. Let’s just say when you know a relationship isn’t good and your teen doesn’t see it, there is a part of you that just wants to scream out, “Why can’t you see what is going on here?”
You don’t understand why your teen isn’t seeing the reality of the situation. You don’t understand why your teen has chosen that particular path, despite the pain it continues to bring.
As a parent…well, you are crushed. It was refreshing to hear from another mommy blogger about how she can relate to my pain as a mother.
But not only do you agonize as a parent, there is a part of you that wants some revenge. How dare that person hurt your child!
Conflicting emotions, sleepless nights, worries during the day, wondering what will happen next…ahhh…some of the joys (said with sarcasm) of parenting teens. But yet, I know all of this is necessary.
I know because in the end, when this whole fiasco was finally done and over with…my daughter learned quite a bit. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was downright painful. But I believe in the end she is a better person for it.
The scary thing about it? The ride isn’t over with yet. I might as well stay buckled up and get settled in for the long haul. I have quite a few more years to navigate these ups and downs in the rollercoaster life of raising teens.
Related Articles:
The Sometimes Frustrating Game of Raising Teens
My Best Advice: Choose Your Battles
When It’s Hard to See the Good
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