Hey there! I’m Mikala—a family doctor, wife, mother of 5, well-being advocate, and author of the books Ordinary on Purpose and Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife. Each month my writing reaches millions of women, but I am thrilled to be connecting with YOU. I’m truly grateful to have you here!
All tagged #parentingbigkids
It turns out, no one’s talking about the hardest stuff. The REAL stuff.
It might look a little different now, but your boy will always need you in so many ways!
These days, hugs are few and far between. Usually given with a limp arm. Or the ‘lean in’ with no arms at all. It’s lonely, sometimes. But we have to remember…we’re not alone.
I’m pretty sure all those earlier parenting challenges were preparing us for today—these days of parenting a teenager. EVERYTHING feels multiplied!!
Trust me. You’re doing great! You are an amazing parent! Just keep showing up.
Because high school sports (and so many parts of life, in general) are lots of fun until they’re NOT. But even when they’re not, we’ll be there.
These little moments are just another of the silver linings of the sometimes difficult teenage years.
You know, I don’t know if he’ll EVER get around to changing the toilet paper roll…but I’m not too worried, really. I’m proud of the compassionate young man he is becoming
Your growing family of suddenly much bigger kids will sit. And eat. And seemingly delight in one another. And you’re going to LOVE it so much!
We are responsible TO our children for things like food and clothing and shelter and an environment in which they can learn and grow and be themselves. But we are not responsible FOR our children’s choices.
This was the Last Game. I tried hard not to clamp my fist around this realization. I tried hard to store it all away.
Let’s cherish the gift of watching our precious babies grow into EXACTLY who they are meant to be.
Sometimes I remember to loosen my grip. And sometimes I even raise my arms and close my eyes against the wind rushing in my face. Wheeeee!!!!
Would it be easier sometimes if I just did it myself? Heck yeah! Is letting them try and fail and try again and succeed absolutely vital to their growing up?? YES. YES. YES.
Parenting isn’t hard because you’re doing it wrong. It’s hard because raising little humans into responsible people is hard.
It will be hard. SO HARD. And eight out of ten times you’ll forget and say exactly the wrong thing. But when you do remember this hack…I promise it will be worth it.
