What Teens Want Parents to Know

F I N D O U T W H A T

TEENS WANT PARENTS TO KNOW

W H A T W E T H I N K

ISN'T ALWAYS RIGHT

Jennifer McCallum, Parent Guide

Raising teens is not for the faint of heart. There are days when nothing makes sense and other days when your heart is so full it could burst.

I could compare it to a rollercoaster that you never stood in line for. It was just sprung upon you with no end in sight. The ups and downs draining on everyone physically, mentally, and emotionally.

And this is just my perspective as a parent. Now, imagine what our teens are feeling? Hormonal changes, peer pressure, stressors from every direction...and they need to get themselves up and out of bed before noon when all they really want to do is sleep in.

Do you remember those buttons from Staples that would say "That was Easy"?

I have been thinking about getting one for myself that says "Stop, and Listen Dummy!"

This just may help me stop and listen first, before reacting, before assuming the worst, and before ruining a revered relationship with one of the people that I want in my life forever...someone that I have raised with love for many years...someone that is trying desperately to become their true, independent selves.

I have made mistakes as a parent, but each time I learn how to become a better version of the parent I want to be. Without mistakes there is not growth, am I right?

Over the last few months I have asked teens what they want their parents to know. It is hard to come out and say it when emotions are running high. I hope you find comfort and understanding in the words that follow.

You are doing a great job and what your teen is going through is the normal progression from childhood to adulthood. You are not alone - now is the time to lean in and love your teens like crazy for it won't be long before they are grown adults, and back to loving you like crazy too!

What teens want parents to know...

Let me make my own mistakes. How will I ever feel capable if you keep telling me what to do.

Please never give up on me...no matter how much I push you away.

You may not be ready for me to be independent, but I am ready.

Don't always think the worst of me, I am doing the best we can.

Don't compare me to someone else. I want to be unique, I want to be me.

I hear you when you talk to me...even when you think I don't.

When I ask you for help, I need help. Don't judge me or make me feel bad.

The world is not the same as when you were a kid. Please listen and try to understand things are different. Just because something was easy for you, doesn't mean it is easy for me.

Thank you to the teens that were open and honest about what they need. Parenting is not easy, but neither is being a teen. The more we know about each other, the easier the transition from childhood to adulthood can become. XOXO