I’m no expert parent but I know this — Parenting teenagers is TOUGH. They’re growing, changing, confused, emotional and moody. And that’s putting it lightly. At times they’re downright disrespectful. Rebellious, rolling eyes, and all that. But here’s what ya gotta do — you just love the daylights out of ‘em no matter what. Forgive everything, quick. Never go to bed mad at a teenage kid. Hug ‘em even when they’re acting like turds. And even when you have to correct ’em make sure they know you’re doing it outta love.
Because here’s what’s gonna happen — that cranky teen is gonna get seriously hurt, bad sick, or in a little car accident or something like that and all of sudden you’re gonna get perspective. Scared to death of the thought of life without them. And you’re gonna wonder why in the world you would ever let there be any unnecessary tension between you and that kiddo.
Fact is you love that cantankerous kid more than anything on this planet. That’s why they drive you so crazy. And even when they don’t say it, they love you too. The key to parenting teens the right way (and y’all feel free to remind of this too) is keeping that hardship perspective without the hardship happening. Remembering that hormonal youngster was a 5 year old in footy pajamas at Christmas time just the other day. And they’ll be an adult soon enough. Parenting teens is a season of grace and relentless love, regardless of it’s received or reciprocated. Kinda like how God loves each of us!