I’m back with more talk about parenting teens. If you missed my last post about teen milestones, go check it out! This is part 2 of a 3-part series in partnership with the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, a collab I’m super excited about because it’s a great jumping-off point for more of us to talk about parenting our teens.
This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own.
Walking and talking and potty training were all milestones that we knew to look out for and encourage when our kids were younger. Once they hit the teen years, milestones look a lot different, but there definitely are milestones along the way that we should feel just as excited about.
One of those milestones is seeking role models (other than their parents). Has your teen done this yet? My 13-year-old has.
He connected with a coach at his middle school last year, and I will never forget a conversation I had with that coach after we told our son we were planning to divorce. I knew my teen looked up to this man and took what he said to heart, so he was the first person I contacted at school about the separation.
The coach told me he would remind my son that “our team is a family, and we’re always here for him, even if he’s having a hard time with his family at home.” I’m crying just typing it out. I was and continue to be so grateful that our teen had that kind of support outside of the home. His coaches continue to be role models and mentors for him, and I hope that never changes.
This is a teen milestone I’m really glad he’s checked off the list, and I hope he keeps checking it, over and over. “Each new person becomes part of your teen’s support system, ensuring they always have a role model to turn to when facing a new situation.”
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