By Christine, The Mom of a Teenager
As my daughter’s 18th birthday approaches I have found myself in a perpetual state of reflection. It is safe to say that I’ve made it to the first finish line of parenthood! I have manage to successfully raise a legal young adult who is able to function (to a certain degree) in the real world. That’s kind of amazing.
The saying, “Roots to Grow and Wings to Fly” continues to resonate with me. As parents we are obligated to teach our little ones how to move freely. As time passes they continue to develop and together a foundation is established so that one day they will be able to exercise what we’ve been teaching them all along.
When you’re going through the early years it’s such a blur. I know we can all agree that when you are in the muck of a stage or phase, you feel like it will never end. The good news is, nothing ever remains the same. It is all temporary!
The days are long and the years are short. LIVE in every single moment. Be fully present and embrace it all…the good, the bad and the ugly. Before you know it you too will get to that finish line where your baby will hug and kiss you “good-bye” and move confidently into the direction of their dreams.
It’s magical and bittersweet.
Teach them well.