In the 15 years I’ve been a parent I would have to say as we embark on 2017 and with a daughter who nears her 16th birthday and a son who nears his 12th birthday my take on motherhood and my role in their evolution as people has undergone some major growing pains. First of all I had my daughter when I was 27 years old — OMG I was 27 – what did I know about self-esteem, boundaries, character building and most importantly the concept of unconditional love at that age? I can say now with full clarity- NOT MUCH. Of course this is not to say that 15 years later I have all the answers, that I never raise my voice and scream like my hair is on fire, that I never say something I wish I could take back and that I don’t struggle with balancing my insane love for my kids and my desire to give them everything with a healthy dose of NOT giving them everything and remembering that I am the adult, I am in charge ( even if my daughter is taller than me) and that this parenting thing is a daily process.
I have to admit that parenting a teen has been a major learning experience for me and has forced me to re-examine our relationship as well as my parenting fails. Not going to lie- I have regrets–in my effort to shield her from pain- I thought it was my responsibility to take her out of certain situations. Now in hindsight I realize a parent’s job is not about rescuing but about standing by- being there while you encourage your child to have an experience that although it may feel initially uncomfortable- will benefit your kid in the long-run.
It took me 15 years to come to this realization- and I am still not 100 percent sure of anything and I still cringe and worry excessively about both of my kids and never want them to be in a situation that I don’t know will be everything they hopes for– but at the same time I know I can’t control everything. I can’t control their environment- because in the real world- these are the kinds of challenges they will need to know how to handle- so although my heart at times feels like it might break in a million pieces as I watch their anxiety level rise- I know ALLOWING THEM to experience this anxiety is what a GOOD MOTHER DOES. Because in doing so- they will realize that they can get through it- and experiencing and conquering it will arm them with the confidence they need to tackle it again as opposed to running from it- or feeling helpless in the face of it.
I have also taken some parenting cues from my husband (who is the polar opposite of me when it comes to EVERYTHING including how we raise our kids). Here are a few of my husband’s parenting nuggets that are actually worth reading ( and implementing !)
#1 The word NO is a parent’s best friend. I am majorly guilty of taking my daughter shopping and going over board ( which my husband is quick to point out) sometimes the best thing any of us can do for our kids is remind them that stuff is not the panacea for whatever ails them. And saying NO- is not about denial but rather it is about teaching them that material and their immediate wants will not always be fulfilled and they need to learn to be okay with this. They need to learn that not getting what they want- is often times better than getting it.
#2 There are no RIGHT ANSWERS ( so stop beating yourself up). Two years ago both of my kids enrolled in public school programs after attending years at a private religious school. This has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make as parent. I still don’t know if it is the right one- I have so many questions and worries about what the future holds. But as I try to model for my kids although life is messy, complicated and the unknown can be scary- if we face each day with a renewed sense of optimism and excitement and we keep the lines of communication open ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING is possible.
The title says it all in my house! LOL At this point, I don’t think I even have half of them. The trick is to make the kids believe that I do!
You’re so right – there are no right answers. Children are constantly changing and so is this world!
As a parent I definitely don’t have all the answers and never will. It’s a never-ending learning experience.
Your post really hits home with me. As a mom of 4 kids all born in a year (including triplets) who are now all in college at the same time, I can assure you that you’re going to discover that us moms still don’t have the answers. But guiding them and raising your kids and using the tough love and no technique that I have worked for me and hopefully you too!
I have had to learn how to say No. I have two teenagers and it is not easy. These are great nuggets of wisdom.
As my kids get older I am realizing the importance of saying No. It is going to be a challenge to have three teenage girls in the house.
It’s amazing how quick kids change. Just as you are getting comfortable, bam they throw a curve ball!!!