Parenting Teens: Back to the Middle

This post is sponsored by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication.  All opinions (and memories!) are my own.

Then

Our walks to preschool that would take forever because we stopped and examined every single thing on the way. The way you would clap and squeal with glee when we found something new. Holding on to your chubby little hand while walking down the street. Listening to you read to me while I made dinner for the evening. Watching you all wide-eyed when daddy took you to get your very first bowling ball drilled to fit your hands.

Now

Seeing you navigate through your first year of college with a quiet confidence. Watching you and your sister chat every Sunday for your scheduled time together. Attending your orientation with you, as you picked out your classes, and asked questions regarding your future. Seeing you prep for your big college move, and prepare everything yourself, making sure that you had everything in place before leaving.

I miss my cellist – but I’m proud of the young man that he’s grown into. This video kind of helps me understand my new place in your life.

If you’re a parent entering or deep in the throes of parenting a teen, the Center for Parent and Teen Communication is a new, valuable resource. You can get a taste for the type of advice you’ll find with this post from the director, Dr. Ginsburg. It helps bridge the gap between what we loved when our children were babies and what we love now that they are teenagers and not really needing us as much.

Watch the video above and let me know one of your favorite memories of your teen as a baby. Now, share one of your favorite memories of them now. There, see that smile?!