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 #thisisparentingteens
Sometimes we miss them, even when they’re sitting in the same room! But I have a secret weapon for connecting with our teens.
It turns out, no one’s talking about the hardest stuff. The REAL stuff.
I suppose for a teenager, mom probably seems like “the worst.” Yet somehow, this is still his safe space.
First, I’d recommend a deep breath. And...maybe another. Then simply repeat a phrase like this one, “Oh, I know honey. Ugh. There’s always something to do, right? I sure do appreciate your help around here.”
Motherhood is exhausting and scary and filled to the brim with beautiful, heart-stopping, tear-jerking, breathtaking moments. And you get to feel every single emotion!
He’s practically grown. And yet, he’s the same boy I’ve always known.
Sometimes I stare across the room at him when he doesn’t know I’m watching and think, ‘When exactly did he GROW UP?’
Trust me. You’re doing great! You are an amazing parent! Just keep showing up.
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.
I’m learning after all these years. To slow down. To be present. To let the day just…unfold.
