Teens Need to Feel Secureby Stephanie Romero | More from this Blogger 27 Jul 2010 06:02 AM Today begins yet another milestone in my teenager's life as he begins driver's education. I have vivid memories of when he was three years old and driving his motorized red jeep. It is so hard to believe he will be getting behind a real wheel. My husband and I were talking last night about our son and how hard it is to believe that he is taking driver's education. Something suddenly struck me. I asked my husband if he noticed how our son doesn't seem ready to grow up. What I mean is that although he wants to take driver's education, I think he would be okay if he didn't. That's not the only clue to this realization. There have been other circumstances and things that my son has said that has caused me to realize he is pretty content at the stage he is in and enjoys being home. Some kids can't wait to get their license and be "free." Some kids count down the days until they turn 18 so they can get out of dodge. Not my son. He is already talking about joining R.O.T.C. through the Air Force where they pay for four years of college but then you belong to the Air Force for a certain number of years. There are a wide variety of colleges to choose from and only two in our state. When we were looking at the choices he immediately said he wanted to go to college in our state. One of the colleges is further away and would require him staying in a dorm. But he said he wanted to attend the one that is closest to our home so he could live at home. My son has a sense of security in our home and I really do pride myself on creating that. The reason is because I didn't have that when I was a teenager. Home was not a safe place and it made my teenage years very tumultuous. These are the most important years in a person's life. Who they will become is very often created during these years. I know that teenagers can be difficult and challenging. I know that some parents grit their teeth and just try to bear it through these years. They may feel like there is no hope and that this season will never end. However we can do our part to create an environment where our children thrive and know that they are loved. Teens need to know that. They yearn for love and sometimes we mistakenly believe that they no longer want it from us. I endure plenty of eye rolling, shrugging shoulders and sighs because deep down inside I know they appreciate what I give to them. I refuse to allow my children to grow up without feeling secure. Life is going to throw a lot of stuff at them. They need a place they can turn to. They need parents who will be there for them. Teens need to feel secure. What can you do to make that happen? Related Articles: Love Your Teen Even When They Are Unlovable Learn more about Stephanie Romero  Stephanie Romero is a wife and mom to three children ages 11, 13 and 16 years old. She writes web content for We Do Web Content and of course, blogs for Families. Relevantparenting tags |
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