In the waiting room, I sat between my teenagers as two little girls raced toy cars along the windowsill. They vroomed and squealed, obviously having a blast, unlike the man across from me. He had a laser-beam glare fixed on the girls’ mom who sat flipping through a magazine. With two high-energy kids, I could understand why she needed to check out for a bit. But as much as I sympathized for her in that moment, I was secretly glad I now had teens.
Having teenagers comes with its own set of issues—everything from handling newfound disrespect to risking your life with a newly-minted driver. But overall, the day-to-day isn’t too bad. In fact, I think it’s pretty good. Maybe you can relate? Here are 7 things I secretly love about parenting teens.
1. You have better conversations.
“Romeo and Juliet couldn’t have fallen in love that fast,” my son said on the way home from school. We discussed the idea of true love, and I had fun hearing my teen’s thoughts. Whether we’re talking about Shakespeare or cryptology, getting a teen’s opinion often helps us see things in a new way. It can be challenging, but exciting.
2. Many times, you have shared interests.
Last summer, my son and I attended a local garden show together and I couldn’t believe he liked it. Maybe it was the free cookies, but he said he’d go back with me again next year. What do you enjoy doing with your teen? I’ve seen some mother/daughter pairs leaving the yoga studio in town and another friend plays mixed doubles in a tennis league with her son.
3. Your body doesn’t hurt from parenting your kid.
Lifting and loading a baby carrier into a car is backbreaking work. I remember being so physically tired when I had little kids. But parenting teens is so much easier on my body. Their growing independence has also given me time to take better care of my own body. I get to strength train with actual dumbbells now instead of carrying a 20-pound child.
4. Teens are funny.
Jokes are a little more grown-up when parenting teens. They have a wittier (and sometimes edgier) sense of humor and even if you give them a side-eye, it’s sometimes hard not to laugh along with them.
Throughout adolescence, teens still need your prayer. Use our free printable, 10 Ways to Pray for Your Teen.
5. Your family has shared goals.
With teenagers, we can share goals. Maybe getting in shape is a family goal and evening walks or jogs are what you do together. Or perhaps your teen has said she’d like everyone to eat more whole grains and veggies. Sharing common goals becomes a collective effort and not just Mom dictating what needs to get done.
6. Your kids get more responsibilities.
I used to enjoy slipping in a comic strip with my kids’ lunches for them to find later. Little joys. But now, I have them make their own lunches. We did so much for our kids back then, but we’re now working to teach our teens life skills. Though it can be a little bittersweet being more hands-off, there’s definitely satisfaction when you see your child getting her work done on time or remembering to brush his teeth before school without reminders.
7. Affection is still wonderful, but on a different level.
Getting hugs and kisses from your kids at any age feels great. But when they’re teens, kids tend to get a little choosier with when and how often they give affection. I try not to take any hug or kiss for granted. With my son, I’m particularly thankful when I get a hug because every year, my boy seems more independent and less like the little cuddly boy he used to be. Each hug is a gift. Parenting teens makes you more aware of and grateful for the little things every day.
What do you like best about parenting teens?
