I Apologize for the Scare
On Friday, I visited a place I used to work to catch up and see what is going on before the little guy is born. There are a few people there who regularly read this blog, and a couple others who know enough about my private life that I share quite a few things with them. None of them have teenagers yet. All of them commented to me the other day, “You’ve got me scared for when my kids are teenagers’. So, for all of my gloom and doom teenager stories, I apologize. They’re not all bad. So this blog will be devoted to the postives of having teens.
1. Watching them reach their milestones is still a wonderful thing. It’s the same thrill as when they toddle those first steps and learn to ride a bike. It’s bittersweet. You know they’re growing up and the last of the time will fly. I swear I was teary-eyed the day I drove each of my kids to the first day of their first jobs. Taking the test to get a learner’s permit was almost as nerve-wracking for me as it was for them. And then they want to drive home!
2. I’m still proud of good grades and neat artwork they make in school. I love it when they ask me for help on a project or some kind of homework. It’s some of those little things that tells me somewhere inside them I do know a little more than they do, and they recognize that.
3. I love to see them make good choices and do the right thing. Although I seem to focus on the negative with them, I have to say they could be making really bad choices. Like drugs (taking or selling). Or be involved in porn on the internet or meeting strangers online. Or getting in trouble with the police for being involved with a gang or being caught vandalizing something. Thank you, Lord, that I’ve not ever had to deal with that kind of trouble.
4. It’s fun to see them have a good time and hear them out and out laugh. This has happened with my daughter more than my son, but when she has a friend over, they act like total goofballs. It’s such a joy to see your child enjoy herself.
5. I love it when my kids take time to be with their little sister and really focus on her and pay attention to her. Elizabeth will invite Grace into her room, and they will have “girl time”. Hair gets fixed, nails get painted, and cool music is on the radio. I know that Grace will cherish those memories and I hope that Elizabeth will too. Luke is so good with little kids. While he tends to tease both of his sisters a lot, they love to laugh at him and Grace loves to wrestle and play chase with Luke.
So fear not fellow parents. I hope one of the things you learn from my situations is that no matter what is going on with your kids (good times and bad) that you will get through it. Learn from others, listen to their advice and use what will work for you. Above all, pray and trust that God will get you and them through those teenage years. Oh, and don’t forget, the fruits of your labor are grandkids!
