Mums love their kids unconditionally no matter how big, strong, and independent they get. The day they leave home to start their own lives is always heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. Of course, the journey through the teens leading to that moment might be pretty emotional too! This is the age when kids believe they’re not kids anymore, and that parents are old and out of touch!
Growing – Up, Out, and Up Some More
When children hit their teens, their poor bodies go through dramatic changes in every direction. This is pretty traumatic for them, and for you as a Mum. Aside from the sheer exhaustion and clumsiness of it all, it triggers hormonal storms. Skin breakouts, monthly changes, and moodiness are all a part of it. I’m not sure anyone misses this part of growing up!
Of course, this is the time when kids feel they ought to try some of the grown up things their bodies are becoming ready for. Whether they’re led by their hormones, their friends, or a sense of adventure, this can lead to trouble. No matter how well you’ve prepared them for adulthood, trouble finds teens pretty easily. It might be trouble at school with wayward grades or even trouble with the police. The trouble with trouble is it can lead to serious consequences.
I Just Didn’t Think
The full fallout of whatever they’ve done was probably never considered when they did what they did. The intention was probably for fun and to impress their social circle. Of course, if your baby has got involved in something they shouldn’t have, it’s down to you to help them out of their mess. You might need help from someone like Lawson Legal Services to clarify your child’s rights should the police get involved. Thankfully things get this serious only rarely, but it’s important to keep a dialogue open with your child, regardless of what they’ve done.
Responsibility is difficult to take on at any age, but for teens, it is much harder. There is so much going on in their life, so there are plenty of distractions. And teens just aren’t that great at risk assessments. It’s simply too difficult to consider all the consequences that might occur when your experience is so limited. That’s why teens still need their mums to rein in their actions from time to time. They know it’s because we love them.
Exams – I’m Never Going To Need That Stupid Subject!
Kids, like adults, are always looking for a reason or justification to cut down their workload. Exam time is tough, and when you hate one of the subjects, it becomes much tougher. This is where you come in as teacher, mentor, and coach. Some teens find it difficult to tell their parents when grades are starting to plummet. Even though they’ll whine that you’re always on their back and bothering them, they’ll appreciate that you’re taking a positive interest in their school work, especially if you help them find the answers easily!
It’s Not You, It’s Me
After all the exams, school is over. Your baby may be ready to fly the nest for University or to start a new career. It’s hard to feel happy about this, but you can feel some satisfaction that you’ve raised them well enough to feel this independent. They’ll assure you that they love being at home with you, but they’ve just got to spread their wings a little now. Of course, they’ll be back.
In fact, they may be back that weekend so you can do their laundry for them. And they’ll probably need a good home-cooked meal after a full week of takeaways. Your kids are likely to need you much more now they’ve left home than they did before. Flat-packed furniture woes, girlfriend and boyfriend break-ups and that inevitable loan from the bank of mum and dad are sure to bring them back to you time and again. Now you’ll start to worry they rely on you too much!
The Circle Of Life
It’s not long now before they ask you for parenting advice. What happens at the birth? How do you get the nappy to stay on? Why is the baby crying so much? How can you be sure the water is the right temperature. Admit it – you’ll love it! No matter how grown up they look and sound, you know that your job will never end. You’ll always be their mum through the tough times, the scary times, and those beautiful moments too.