Our youngest has pneumonia. Gabe and I have been taking turns sleeping with her on the couch so that the other person could get some sleep, and Char can stay propped up but still comfortable, and hopefully get some sleep as well.
Last night, our oldest offered to sleep downstairs with her little sister and be her caregiver for the night. She knew that Gabe had to get up at 4:30 this morning for an early meeting, and I had to get up early to go back to work. She said she wanted us to get some rest.
I share this to give her much deserved shouts, but for another reason as well. The World often tries to tell us parents that teenagers are selfish, and lazy, and all things terrible. To brace ourselves for the teenage years as we’ll have to white-knuckle through these times, hoping to get to the “other side” when our kids are bearable again.
I wholeheartedly reject this idea.
Yes, raising teenagers can be tough, but I believe that (for the most part) it can also be sweet, and rewarding, and dare I say, even fun at times. It requires a different intentionality than their elementary school days, but I refuse to throw my hands up in retreat and give up my God-given authority of influence in her life. And I encourage you not to give up either.
These are the years I believe our kiddos need us the most. Keep pressing in, keep putting in the work, keep showing up when their words might tell you they want you to go. Their heart wants you to stay. Needs you to stay. Trust me.
If you’ve got a teenager or know one, give them a squeeze and speak life over them. Despite what the world may tell you, there is still goodness and kindness wrapped up inside of them.
MAMMA ARIANNA 