A Conversation Between Sisters About Parenting: The Care and Feeding of Teenage Boys part II

I have 3 sisters.

Recently the four of us had a conversation over email about parenting teenage boys.  I shared the note that started this conversation with you last week (See The Care and Feeding of Teenage Boys Part 1).  Over the next several blog posts I plan to show you the rest of the conversation.

Disclaimer:  These notes were written to be read only by my sisters and myself.  If we sound advice-y, it is because we are big sisters talking to a little sister, and we can't help it. Besides, she asked for it. In contrast to the way we might sound, we are all mature enough to know that we don't really know anything anymore.

Dear Nae,

I had it explained to me once that children are like dogs when they are young, they run to you with bundles of joy when you enter a room, love to spend time with you and go into clouds of joy when you treat them with something as simple as an ice cream cone.  Then, around age 12 or 13 they turn to be more like cats, aloof, they will come if you put out food, and it takes a small loan to buy a gift that really thrills them.  However, if you can make it through the "cat years"  they come back as loyal, grown children who respect and appreciate their parents.

The teenage years are hard.  We had many a "discussion", many worried prayers going up for those years.  Now, our sons are our friends.

You have done an excellent job.  Your son has a good foundation.  As he figures life out, he will have his ups and downs, but the superb parenting you have given will pay off.

During the teen years, a boy is trying to become a man.  He naturally looks to his Dad as to how to do that.  Both our boys pushed away from me and sought male leadership.  A friend of mine told me that they had to push their Mom away for a time to establish their own independence.  Know in your heart that you will always have (your son's) love, he is just trying to figure life out and it isn't easy.

I so respect you as a Mother.  You do a really awesome job!

Hang in there, little sis!  Maybe in years to come you can buy an RV and run away, visit when you want to! All kidding aside.  I will be praying for you.  It can be pretty tough on a Mom's heart for a while. 

I love you.