Raising Teens

This one.

No longer my little girl, now my little lady.

She’s officially stealing clothes from my closet, but walks out looking so fabulous, I can’t say much about it.

Puberty and all it brings has been really rough on us both.

Definitely the hardest season in parenting thus far.

Yet we are turning a corner, and settling into a new rhythm that we are both beginning to love.

She knows what she wants and needs and is learning to take great care of herself.

She speaks her truths, argues her points, rolls her eyes, and puts me in place. A lot.

She’s also more open and tender than ever.

Although she’s almost as tall as me now, she is constantly curling up in my lap, asking me to snuggle, just be with her and hang out.

Together we are learning to embrace all our facets, sides, and shades without shame or judgment.

The more we fully embrace ourselves right where we are, the more we can fully embrace others right where they are.

I’m no expert on raising teens but what I am discovering so far, is that unconditional lavish love, massive approval and acceptance, is what they need more than anything.