Parenting a teenager is like entering a new country without a map. All the hacks and tricks that worked when they were kids? Useless! I used to tell my daughter, “No TV until you do your homework,” and she would run to finish it. Now, at 13, if I try that line, she will just look at me in a weird way and go to her room indifferent. The struggle is real.
Teenagers can confuse and exhaust you. One minute they’re laughing with you, the next they’ve locked themselves in their room because you asked, “How was school?” They act like you’re disturbing their peace. And the things they know, ehn, sometimes it will shake you as a parent. My daughter once schooled me on the LGBTQ community…hmmm. Let’s leave that talk for another day. These children know things that will leave you questioning your qualifications and experience.
And let’s not even talk about the weird things. They will wear socks with sandals and call it “stylish.” They will stay in the bathroom for one hour, doing only God knows what. They will roll their eyes so much that you’ll be tempted to check if the eyes are still in their sockets. And the attitude – ah, the attitude can make you want to scream! But the same child in the next minute can suddenly surprise you with wisdom, kindness, and maturity that makes your heart swell.
The beautiful part is watching them grow into young adults. My daughter is now almost my size (though she believes she’s my size already), and sometimes I just stare at her like, “When did this little girl turn into a woman?” She can carry heavy bags for me, run errands, and even manage her younger brother (when they are not arguing) when I’m busy. There’s joy in seeing the seeds you’ve sown start to blossom, even if the teenage drama sometimes makes you doubt your parenting skills.
For my fellow mums raising teen girls (and boys too), here are some tips I’ve learned on this bumpy ride:
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Pick your battles. Not every eye roll deserves a lecture. Save your energy for the big issues like values, discipline, and safety.
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Listen more, talk less. Sometimes they just want to rant without you fixing everything. Don’t always be quick to advise, just listen.
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Set boundaries, but be flexible. They need structure, but they also need space to grow and make small mistakes.
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Keep praying. Honestly, this one is non-negotiable. Prayer is our secret weapon in this teen parenting journey.
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Show love, even in drama. A hug, a kind word, or cooking their favorite meal can break through the mood swings.
At the end of the day, parenting teens will stretch you, humble you, and sometimes make you question your sanity. But it will also fill you with pride as you watch them bloom into young adults who will one day call you their best friend (hopefuly). So, dear teen parents, hang in there… you’re not alone.
Now tell me, what’s the craziest thing your teen has ever said or done that left you speechless?
