Parenting Teens

Were all they wanted to know

It’s quite an understatement to say

That they grow up fast

When we find ourselves

Reminiscing on the past

Dolls and toys

And stuffed animals too

Provided the entertainment

While even thinking

Their parents were cool

As these precious memories

Fade away

Many new experiences

Are on their way

It’s so very important

To establish a foundation for success

Which provides a safety net

For those moments of distress

Physical changes

And peer pressure too

Do present challenges

In and out of school

Setting limits

And putting boundaries in place

Is an important first step

As this is a journey

Not a race

Many unexpected situations

Will most certainly occur

But with the proper foundation

There is nothing to fear

Learning when to let go

And when to hold firm

Is no easy matter

And can be cause for concern

The perfect balance

Really does not exist

We just do our best

No matter how much they resist

No matter what happens

We must stand strong

Creating an atmosphere

Where they feel they belong

Even teenage pregnancy

Should not blow us away

Because given the circumstances

There is a supportive thing to say

The love that we possess

For our child is key

Much more important

Than any family therapy

Trusting our decisions

Along the way

Builds our confidence

More than I can say

There are no easy answers

When raising our kids

It’s a matter of discovering

The clues that are hid

Each day we have the opportunity

For our children to see

The very type person

That we wish them to be

Role modeling those qualities

In our very own lives

Will motivate them

To do much more than survive

So parenting teens

Can be a most rewarding endeavor

But one thing is for sure

It pays to be clever

JWS 7/11/11

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