PARENTING TEENAGERS : WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?

TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED!

My oldest son, now 19,  coined the expression "it could always be worse" and has used it for years now whenever  he sees that I am stressed. I have come to appreciate both his effort and the thought itself which is a great source of comfort in it's simplistic wisdom.

I was just searching the  blogosphere directory for other webblogs on parenting teenagers and was dismayed by the number of  blogs that have only harsh and negative things to say about being the parent of teenagers. HOW SAD!

CREATIVE CHALLENGE;

Accept the pain, cherish the joys, resolve the regrets: then can come the best of benedictions-"If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all the same."  Joan McIntosh,

American Writer

Personally, I love my kids and still love and admire them at ages 19, 15 and 12. Challenging, sometimes, yes but it is all the way you look at things and choose to handle them. Maybe I am just lucky but I like to think that good parenting makes for good kids. I have taken the time and effort to be the best parent I can be which has meant searching my soul and admitting my weaknesses and being open to change.

As a family therapist, I repeatedly saw that it was easier for parents to criticize their kids and place blame than to  look at ourselves up close and  take responsibility for their part in how their family turns out.

My 19 year old and I had a recent conversation about his life as a freshman in college this past year and the transition coming home for the summer.
He very honestly and sincerely brought to my attention that I am always reminding him how lucky he is like his family and want to be home but fail to mention how lucky we are to have such great kids.

He is absolutely right. Not that I take this for granted but, obviously, I do not make it a point to let them know. Thanks, Jas, I  will be sure to let you guys  know how lucky I am to have you!

To leave you with a thought
If  I were to begin life again, I should want it as it were. I would only open my eyes a little more.... Jules Renard, French Writer