How to Feel More Connected to Your Teen Every Day

What is stealing your joy in parenting?

Comparison? "Her kids are so much better at listening"

Worry? "I think he's going to resent me the way I resent my mom"

Distraction? "I can't talk now, I have to get this done." (Of course, this is totally valid sometimes, but when it's too often, it might be time to question it)

Control? "She has to get good grades so she can get into that school."

Disappointment? "I thought she'd want to hang out with me more."

There are so many situations and emotions that can make it harder to notice and feel the joy in parenting.

And especially with your teens.

You've spent years hearing how hard the teen years are and how selfish teens are.  

No wonder you're not looking for joy.

You're prepped for a battle.

And then add on to that, that one of your brain's best skills is to find all of the problems in life, yourself and your teen and if there isn't one, it will literally make one up.

This is why intentionally finding joy in parenting your teen is so important!!

It's not going to happen by default.

So, let's brainstorm.

How are you going to intentionally see joy in parenting your teen?

Here are some ideas:

• Write your teen a weekly note telling them what you appreciate about them.  It can be fun to have a notebook or journal that you write back and forth in.
• When you feel those moments of connection, pause and name it for yourself and your teen if that fits.
• Purposely infuse joy into daily tasks.  Dancing music while you do the dishes, family games/movie night
• Bring laughter into your home with jokes, funny memories, and looking at old family photos (The other day we were watching a 12-minute video of my son, 1 at the time, trying to take a nap, and we were all laughing hysterically)
• Remember that comparison, worry, distraction, control, and disappointment steal your joy!!

Teens are amazing, and so are you!  

Find the joy!