I love love love this teenage stage. You might think I’m crazy but it’s true. I love to see my teens having found their passions. One soccer, one cheerleading, and one equestrian. No more fighting with them to get ready and lost equipment and jerseys when we were in the state where mom signs you all up for soccer or dance. No more complaints: “Mooom, do we haaaave to go?” Now they are organized about their schedule and keep their uniforms and equipment in order. All I have to do is drive! Not even that for my oldest. I just show up and they provide me entertainment every night! Two nights of equestrian, two of football (soon to be basketball) and cheering and a soccer game every now and then!
The thing with teenagers is you cannot expect them to converse with you unless they want to. I love when they are just sitting there playing their computer games or watching their show. Sometimes everyone is just on their phones. But when we are in the same room we are together!
If I really want to interact with my teens I have two “carrots”. They love to go out to eat (especially sushi). And they love to travel. So any opportunity we get for these I take it/provide it. Of course if they want to have their friends that’s even better. The more the merrier. If I said no which I would never because I love their friends they would just choose to go with their friends.
I remember what it was like to be that age and I am grateful my kids give me more time and togetherness and sharing than I did with my parents.
Sometimes they stay in their rooms a lot but having one centrally located tv and gaming computer is a trick of the trade to make sure they can be in the same vicinity as you.
Driving them around, or letting them drive if they are trainees, and always welcoming their friends, are also sure fire ways to connect.
Notes From Real Life 