Raising Teenagers

OK, I'ma jump right in cause I need to vent. I have a teenage son who is about to drive me to drink something heavier than the occasional glass or bottle of red wine -depending on how my day went, I normally drink. Mercy! Can anybody say challenge? Now I feel bad even talking about my son because he's really not a bad kid considering, but I tell you he can work my nerves. Seems like if I say go left, he wants to know why he can't go right. If I say do this he wants to know why he can't do that! Being a single mother, I've always said it takes a man to raise a boy and God knows I'm doing a lot of praying right about now. We women have done, and continue to do an amazing job raising our sons, but I do believe the best case scenario for any child, and especially a boy, is to have a two parent household. Daddy is critical in the life of a boy!!! Y'all pray for me, here?

Now you might be wondering if there is anything specific that set off my need to exhale, and I have to say not really; just the typical day in the life of a teenager. One minute you think you're making strides and the next you're drawing a line in the sand. And because I'm from the old school of raising a child, I have managed to hold back the tide, but trust a sista when I say...it surely pushes up on the shore every now and then. Having already raised one of these foreign people, I can attest to the fact that they do gain their minds once again somewhere around twenty-ish, but God the perseverance a parent needs before them folk regain their senses is admirable. I have to say also that boys are a whole different breed than girls. My now grown and responsible daughter is doing fabulous; still trying to find her way, but doing well. I have warned her and my youngest daughter thank God, that they are not to leave me alone with my son in my old age. I have nightmares of him rolling me down the stairs in my wheelchair claiming I slipped. Of course I'm kidding, but I'm serious too:)

To all you parents out there, whether you be single parents or two parent households, if you feel me holla. If not, please email me your instruction manual or wait until your little one hits fifteen and then we'll talk...that is unless I'm tied up on the back porch waiting for a meal!!!!!

Woooow, I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest, I so appreciate you for listening. Until next time, take care of yourself and one another.

Peace, Love & Blessings,
M