Hey there! I’m Mikala—a wife, mother of 5, family doctor, well-being advocate, and the author of Ordinary on Purpose. Each month, my writing reaches millions of women, but I am thrilled to be connecting with YOU. I’m truly grateful to have you here!
All tagged #parentingteenagers
No one told me just how amazing it is to watch this little person you met at his very first breath GROW UP. Even way up over your own head!!!
But these days, hugs are few and far between. Usually given with a limp arm. Or the ‘lean in’ with no arms at all!!
Motherhood is exhausting and scary and filled to the brim with beautiful, heart-stopping, tear-jerking, breathtaking moments. And you get to feel every single emotion!
It is perfectly okay to admit this change is hard on my momma heart. It’s okay that it feels necessary to grieve.
He’s practically grown. And yet, he’s the same boy I’ve always known.
Sometimes I stare across the room at him when he doesn’t know I’m watching and think, ‘When exactly did he GROW UP?’
It turns out, no one’s talking about the REAL stuff. The hardest stuff.
Because high school sports (and so many parts of life, in general) are lots of fun until they’re NOT. But even when they’re not, we’ll be there.
If you are the mother of a teenage boy, you need to hear this one.
I’d recommend a deep breath. And...maybe another. Then repeat a phrase like this one, “Oh, I know honey. Ugh. There’s always something to do, right?? I sure do appreciate your help around here.”
The Bad Guy is met with lots of eye rolls and huffing and “That’s stupid!!” and “You’re the worst!!” But I’m not too concerned about their immediate happiness because I’m mostly focused on the end game.
This was the Last Game. I tried hard not to clamp my fist around this realization. I tried hard to store it all away.
Sometimes I remember to loosen my grip. And sometimes I even raise my arms and close my eyes against the wind rushing in my face. Wheeeee!!!!
Look at the way our brilliant young people JUST KEEP SHOWING UP!!!
I’m beginning to wonder how high this mountain is? Does the climb ever stop? Because even after they move out, won’t I still worry?? Won’t there still be rocks to scramble over?? Mountains to move??
I wish I could say I’m the perfect mother. But the truth is…I’m not. Not even close. Day after day I mess up in a million ways. And some nights as fat tears fall onto my pillow, this little whisper of peace settles into my heart…
I think our main job as parents is to help our children navigate life. REAL LIFE. And that means talking to them about the hard stuff.
I’m learning after all these years. To slow down. To be present. To let the day just…unfold.
