Teenagers always seem to get the short end of the stick. And it's weird because we were all once teenagers... Isn't it funny that we can so easily remember how misunderstood we were in those tumultuous years of our lives, but ask us to have compassion on the teenager standing next to us, and we freak out!?! Now, I'm not talking about ignoring unacceptable behavior, but I am talking about learning to enjoy and even value the things that make teenagers so special... Their zest for life and passionate expression of it; constant yearning for friendship and acceptance; deep desire for the love and understanding of their parents; struggle for uniqueness, individuality and identity while desperately wanting to be part of a group; hormones run amuck, emotions on a constant roller coaster ride, bodies morphing on a daily basis... Oh, the joys of teenager-hood!!! Teenagers are so much fun, and I think that's the greatest thing of all. If you can learn to have fun with them, many of the problems you fear will never even surface. If you find yourself having a lot of fears concerning your teen, you simply must take more time to be with him and listen to him... Let her talk as long as she wants to, and be slow to speak yourself. Mostly, just listen. Don't overreact to what he says, just listen. After all, isn't that what you always wanted? To be listened to... To be understood... To be loved and not feared... Listen to your teenager, laugh with your teenager, let your teenager teach you how to lighten up and enjoy life again!
c2009 Lorenda Houston
