The Story of a Teen..........

It was the worst of times, it was the best of times……….Those teen years, I remember them well, actually – I don’t really remember them that well. They are just flashes of memories – nothing I can grab on to – but memories none the less. They seem to pass through my head much more often than they used to; I think it is because I have become a parent of two teens! How is it possible that I am a parent of two teens? It seems like yesterday I was a teen myself! All I can do is flash on moments in time……that two year old that refused to acknowledge that “big boys” sit on that white “chair” in the bathroom, instead of doing it in a diaper. Or that defiant 2 year old who just figured out how the world works and will try to make it revolve around them and them alone! Discovery – from a plane flying overhead – to a lady bug that landed on a hand. That 4 year old – that was ever so brave when something frightened him – unless of course it was night time – then it was run into the parents room and sleep between Mom and Dad………..always receptive to great big bear hugs – even in front of their friends. That 9 year old – who now knew how to tie shoes – get dressed – bathe and comb his own hair. Starting to have much stronger opinions and really learning well how to express them! Then suddenly BANG! They are 12 years old. That’s just the start – mine “blossomed” early – but had no clue what all this “change” was about? I truly believe they became clinically insane! Then I started to think – who are these people who are living with me? I am sure my children were abducted – and replaced with these two – awkward – nonsensical – confused – angry – goofy creatures! Always challenging me – and for that matter – challenging themselves for challenging their parents! The stories that they can tell! Honestly – they think that it’s the parents that are irrational – that they can fool us every chance they have – the joke is on them – just wait – one day – they’ll be the parent of a teen! Was I this way? No – I was worse! When my boys were babies, the thought never crossed my mind that one day I would be the parent of a teen! It’s complicated – and sometimes fun – all at the same time! But these moments are fleeting, to be yearned for in days and years to come. And so – for today – I will find the genius, or maturity of their opinions and their thought provoking questions – that actually leave me standing there – wondering how these wonderful little bundles became such individuals! With brilliant thoughts and brilliant smiles and great hearts. You don’t actually see this part of them very often – it’s a teen rule…….you have to keep this part of you well hidden – only to be let out when you are not thinking about it! Hey – maybe that will be something that can confuse my parents even more! Let’s be sweet and loving when they least expect it – and leave them wondering – what exactly we are up to! They sit there quietly, with headphones in the ears – blasting music from their MP3’s. Do they have any idea of what sort of thought process is going on – Hell – they don’t even know what a thought process is! For today – I will find the cleverness in them, the shrewdness in them, the wonderful sense of humour in them and the intellect they have acquired – though I KNOW when they look at me – they think I have none of these qualities. I am far from perfect, but then again – who is? Not being perfect is an absolute of the parent of a teen. For today I will try and look at the lessons that I can learn or have already learned – and know that they will also pass – all too quickly. And I guess – I should really be thankful that I have become a parent of teens! Enjoy.................your time will come - Diz