This year has marked a transition for our family. I’m not sure how we got here, but in a blink of an eye we have two teens in high school. Parenting teenagers is not for the faint of heart. It’s also one of the most incredible times in our lives. And to our teens, here are a few thoughts from mom and dad.
TO OUR TEENS
There is no one else like you and that is your superpower. Be you. Unapologetically you. When you tap into the essence of who you really are and share it with the others, it’s the best feeling in the world. Fitting in is overrated. Don’t be afraid to stand out and know that feeling awkward or out of place is completely normal. We all feel that way.
Try new things. Especially if they are hard. If it’s a success, feel the pride. If it’s not, failing forward will teach you more than you’ll ever know.
God poured many talents and capabilities into you. Use them for good. Don’t let them go to waste.
Be the friend who cheers on others. Be the one who fans the flame. This world is full of people who do the opposite. Steer clear of them. Always be the one who builds others up because seeing others shine is a beautiful thing. In raising others up, you will unlock your own potential.
Know that your mom and dad love you more than anything in this world. Our love is unconditional and steadfast. It will not waiver. Every time we say yes or anytime we say no it’s from a place of love. And while we love being your friend, we are your parents first and it is our responsibility to protect that role. You deserve that. And while we know you won’t always like it, when you turn back around many years from now, we pray you’ll respect it.
Please drive carefully and text us when you get there.
Turn off the noise on a daily basis. Put down your phone. You can control what you invite in. Remember that much of what you see is filtered and delivered with an agenda meant to control. Be discerning in what you bring into your life. Joy is the most precious feeling in the world and it is yours to find. Be careful where you search.
Listen to that inner voice of yours. It is the most powerful tool you have and is backed by those who have gone before us and love you with all of their being. God has big plans for you and when your intuition speaks, allow it to guide you. It’s a true gift and should not be ignored.
Your sense of humor and laughter are infectious. Laugh every day. If it’s uncontrollable laughter, it’s even better.
Work hard. Hard work yields a sense of accomplishment that makes times of play so much more fulfilling. If you want something, earn it and take pride in knowing you did it on your own.
Be kind to others always. Be gracious to those who show you kindness. Take a breath before you speak and imagine how your words might land. At the end of the day, life is about our relationships. Care for them and protect them. There will come a time when those relationships carry you through.
Everyone is fighting a battle. Everyone. Show compassion and remember they are worried about their own problems, not yours.
Your father will never stop telling dad jokes and I will never get the lyrics right. The sooner you accept that, the easier life will be.
When people show you who they are, believe them. Give your heart to only those you fully trust.
Go for walks, appreciate the sunset, feel the grass under your feet and marvel at the night sky. Embrace the mountains and the ocean. See the world and all that it has to offer. Remember that nature is the best medicine of all.
If you ever need a bowl or a spoon, try looking in your own room first.
Today is your day. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Praise God and walk in gratitude. While you never know what today brings, you are strong and capable and the joy comes in appreciating all of the little things.
Never ever forget how much we love you and are cheering you on in all that you do. This is your journey and we are so blessed to have a front row seat. We will try our best not to embarrass you.
Beautiful. I will share this with my 4 teens as they tend to roll their eyes at anything I say but still consider all that the other moms says.😂. Thank you for putting in the thought to create such a beautiful piece of truth and encouragement.💗
Roll their eyes? I can’t imagine what you mean 😉 So relatable. I’m so happy this resonated and hope it’s helpful.
Love this, even for myself!
Thank you, Laura.
This is a beautiful post! As a mother of two boys now in their early 20’s (and forever a Hockey Mom as well!), I can appreciate what younger mothers with teens are growing through. You have eloquently expressed so beautifully what they need to to hear right now in their lives. God Bless you and your family! I believe this is the most impactful post I have read written by you!!
Thank you!!
Gosh, thank you, Joni. And cheers to being a hockey mom! Once a hockey mom, always a hockey mom. I so appreciate your kind words. Have a wonderful week.
This is beautiful and great advice. My kids are way beyond teens, but I think most applies at almost any age. You write so beautifully and from the heart and I always enjoy your posts. I plan to print this out and read if often. Thanks and best wishes to your kids as they begin this school year.
That’s such a kind compliment. Thank you, Susan. That means so much to me. And thank you for taking a moment to comment. Hope you have a wonderful week.
LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I remember when my son was heading off to his first day of high school. Wow, how time flew by. I miss the soccer games and loud boys in my house and all of the high school events. But, I truly LOVE this season, too! Cheering him on with his college success and big internship opportunities and goals being achieved. It is a beautiful, hard and incredible journey being a mom. Such a blessing! Best wishes to your kiddos!
Thank you so much, Dawn. You said it perfectly. It’s a beautiful, hard, and incredibly journey. Sounds like he is thriving and that’s more than you can ask for. Trying to savor our loud and chaotic house while we have it.
Well SAID
Thank you, Jen.
So beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing 💞
Most welcome, Michelle. Hope you are doing well.
Praise the Lord indeed! Well done. My grandmother use to say, “there is not a bad thing that lasts 100 years”. (Translated from Spanish), meaning the bad times will pass don’t dwell on them. God bless you and your beautiful family.
What a wonderful saying. This too shall pass, right?! And thank you for the kind message.
Beautiful! Spot on and filled my heart. Today I dropped off my youngest for her first day of high school and on Monday we’ll be dropping off our son at college.
Oh wow! Sandra, that’s a big year for all of you. I hope it’s the best start for both of them. And may your son flourish on his own now. Good luck to you, mama.
Wow – I could not have said this better myself. SO spot on. Thank you for sharing this!!!! <3
Thank you, Nicole. It’s like having our hearts outside of our bodies all the time, isn’t it?! Big hug to you.
I hope the kiddos know that they have the best parents ever! You both have always had their interests at heart in any major decisions you make – like moving to Tennessee! I know that I am grateful that my only grandchildren have you to guide them in growing up in this crazy world. Your positive attitude and belief in God’s guidance will serve them well.
Grandma Sue
So beautifully said, Courtney! Tears here. I’ll be sharing this with my daughter, who is parenting young teens. Thank you for expressing thoughts we all share!
So beautifully said! Good thoughts for all of us, even without children. Cheers to a great year for your wonderful children and you and Ryan, too!
Blessings, Nancy ❤️
💖 This is an amazing post. Will share with the kids!!! They will love and appreciate it.
Courtney this is so beautiful! I cannot wait to share it with my daughter. Thank you sweet friend. ❤️
Beautifully expressed. My son is going off to his first year in college soon and this captures much of how I feel and hope to convey to him as well. Soak up senior year with your daughter. It flies by. The last time I washed my son’s basketball jersey and shorts I cried. So many “lasts” this final year of high school to cherish!