In the mommyhood space, there is always this discussion about which phase of parenthood is the worst, the best, the hardest etc etc. It’s like a competition.
HOW BAD DO YOU REALLY HAVE IT?
Frankly, I’ve found that every stage of parenting has its drama. And if I’m honest, I’ve loved every stage of parenthood because I’m fascinated by my child.
The toddler phase for us was…interesting. I loved watching and listening to his mind grow and the endless questions. But I didn’t like the mood swings and the temper tantrums and the way he always thought he knew everything despite being 4.
I was SO HAPPY to be past it and we’ve coasted along with me happily enjoying the elementary years and the tween stage…until we reached the teenage years.
I still have this kid who is fascinating: his thoughts are wild, his taste in music debatable, his clothing choices…interesting.
His mood swings..legendary.
And he’s back to thinking he knows everything despite only being on this earth for 14 years.
It’s like having a toddler again…only he’s taller.
He’s such an even-tempered person..until he’s not.
He will have a major attitude…then be the sweetest son ever.
He will talk my ear off and then give me the silent treatment for hours.
It’s whiplash at its finest.
It’s teenage parenthood.
I won’t lie and say that I enjoy it 100% of the time. I’m both fascinated and horrified at the same time.
I have to remind myself often that I’m the adult when the Aries in me wants to get down on his level (and sometimes below it) and show him that I AM NOT THE ONE.
But I also recognize that at this stage of parenting, I’m just a guide. The groundwork was laid in the early years. It’s now my job to help him start to become a functioning adult.
I have to understand that he too is just as frustrated with all the changing hormones and emotions going on in his head.
I recognize that I can and will get mad at him and he can and will get mad at me and give us both grace when we do.
And just as when he was a toddler, I will accept cuddles that are now in the form of coming and talking to me in my office after a blow-up and explaining himself instead of hugging on me like he used to.
Sigh. Where are my other soldiers in this teenage parenting battle?
Things from the Internet this week
This list may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and buy something from a link here, I may get enough to pay the library fine I owe because I forgot to return a book…
Did you watch Usher Bowl last night? Loved it!!! But I need folks to stop letting Alicia Keys try to hit that note.
Beyonce tried to break the internet in the middle of the Super Bowl. I didn’t have country on my bingo card for her but…we shall see.
I started shopping for summer this week and got this dress from Walmart. Walmart has some cute clothes on the low now! Chile…you better get you one of these…
As book bans continue and libraries continue to be under attack, librarians are moving to defend themselves. AND BOOKS. ( this is a gifted NYT link).
Valentine’s Day is this week. If you want a spicy book to read( SMUT YOUT
WANT SMUT) check out this list of 12 Must Read Spicy Booktok books.
In my ongoing quest to find good leggings, I tried these Gym People leggings from Amazon. I think if you like the feel and hold of say a Spanx legging but don’t want to pay the price? These are for you. $25
That’s not all ,but that’s all Ive got this rainy Monday after the super bowl
Talk to you soon
LaShawn
LaShawn, I love this assessment so much. With both a 14 year old and a 12 year old boy, it has felt like a totally overwhelming emotional struggle around here at this perfectly sums up why.