It is during their teen years that a parent can really step back and start to see the fruits of their labor. No, not just that labor, the hard work and time that you have put into your child for the past 13+/- years is beginning to show. Remember when you worried your child would be the only one who would be in that classroom and not be truly toilet trained, cry for you or just get lost in that big school? It all worked out.

Then your child begins to decide what they really will and will not wear, who they would like to have as a friend and why. They are making decisions and some of them may begin to make sense. Who is this little person?

Yes, at times your child will push your patience to the absolute limit. Moments later they may also do or say something that can bring you to tears because it is so touching.

Those milestones that you may have think ended just because your child is now older are replaced with new ones. Dropping your son off at his first part-time job, helping him cash his first paycheck and having him take you out to breakfast are a string of treats I have had the opportunity to enjoy!

Teens can be reliable, emotional, funny and a challenge. If you have experienced a child from infancy to teens, you have seen an amazing amount of growth, both physical and emotional. Hopefully it has been a mostly joyous journey and will pave the way to a meaningful relationship with an adult child and parent!

Learn more about this author, Sharon MacGregor.
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