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From Butterflies to GoodByes: Raising Teens & the Emotional Ride

Writer's picture: Taneasha McNairTaneasha McNair

Hey mamas! Gather 'round because it's time to talk about that major shift that happens when your little bundle of joy, the one who used to request endless bedtime stories and play with slime with boundless enthusiasm, starts morphing into a bonafide teenager.  (yes, you can scream here.)


Let's be real, for me, watching my firstborn, my 16-year-old daughter, blossom into a young woman has been a total mind trip. Here's the thing, whether you're a seasoned veteran with a gaggle of teenagers or a brand new mama navigating the uncharted territory of adolescence, this stage can feel like an emotional rollercoaster with more loops than a rollercoaster at the Disney California Adventure park.


One minute they're asking for help with their math homework, the next they're fluent in the latest TikTok lingo, wearing a huge hoodie, or driving THEIR car.  Suddenly, those snuggles on the couch binge watching The Walking Dead or sushi date nights turn into frantic searches for the elusive "alone time" button, and one-on-one conversations feel like pulling teeth.


But here's the secret sauce, mamas: these feelings are totally normal.  It doesn't make you a bad mom or a control freak to feel a tad bit lost or overwhelmed.  Raising these incredible humans, whether they're boys, girls, or somewhere on the beautiful spectrum in between, is a wild and messy ride.


So, how do we navigate this phase with grace (and maybe a dash of sanity)? Let's unpack this together:


Embrace the Growth: It's easy to get stuck in the "remember when..." zone.  Instead, let's celebrate the amazing young adults they're becoming! Their independence is a sign of all the hard work we've poured into nurturing them.


Find New Ways to Connect: Gone are the days of endless coloring sessions or watching Princess and the Frog hundreds times snuggling on the sofa.  Adapt your connection strategies.  Maybe it's a shared workout class (hello, me!), a quick card game, or even just letting them vent about the latest drama.


Keep the Communication Flowing:  This doesn't have to be an intense therapy session.  Show genuine interest in their lives, even if it's about the latest video game or a new crush.


Remember, You're Still Their Rock:  Even with their newfound independence, they still need your love, guidance, and support. Be their safe space, not the judge.


Don't Forget You Too, Mama:  It's easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of parenting.  Schedule some "me-time" – read a book, take a relaxing bubble bath, or grab coffee with a friend. A happy mama makes a happy home (and a less stressed-out one)!


The Takeaway: Raising teens is a wild journey, full of unexpected twists and turns. Let's celebrate their growth, adapt our connection strategies, and remember that the love we share will always be a constant, even when the nest starts to feel a little empty.


Share your experiences with raising teenagers in the comments below! Let's support each other on this crazy-beautiful adventure.

P.S.  Stay tuned for my next blog post, "Fitness for Busy Mamas: How to Slay the Day Without Sacrificing Your Workout."  Because even superheroes need to recharge!



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