Wait... Am I the Only One Loving the Teen Years?

You know how everyone warns you about the teenage years?

The eye rolls. The attitude. The slamming doors and slammed hearts. It’s almost a rite of passage for parents to brace themselves—for things to get harder, for connection to fade, for everything to feel like a battle.

But what if that’s not the whole story?

Because here’s mine: I’m loving this season.

Truly. I’ve got three kids—11, 14, and 16—and I’ll be the first to admit, I was nervous. I remembered all the horror stories and jokes, the sitcom moments and Instagram memes. I thought I’d have to gear up and “survive” these years.

But instead, I’ve found myself in awe.

These big kids of mine? They’re thoughtful. Funny. Complicated. Curious. And watching them become themselves is honestly one of the greatest privileges of my life.

No, it’s not always easy. There are hard conversations and big emotions. But there’s also so much depth. And if you’re willing to really see your teens—like, truly see them—you might just be surprised by how close you can become.

What no one told me was that you don’t stop being a mom when your kids stop needing help with their shoes. You just become a different kind of mom. One who listens more. One who advises less. One who’s learning and healing right alongside them.

Because let’s be honest: parenting teenagers is as much about us as it is about them. I’ve uncovered so many old stories of mine—things I believed, things I never questioned—just by walking through these years with my kids. It’s been a process of reparenting myself, of learning patience, self-respect, boundaries, and grace all over again.

And the best part? We’re in it together.

My teens let me into their worlds—and not just them, but their friends, too. I know not every parent gets that, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m so grateful for it. Because when a kid trusts you enough to let you in... that’s everything.

So here’s my question: Is it just me?

Is anyone else out there loving the teenage years more than you expected?

Or maybe you’re in a completely different season—maybe it’s hard and messy and you’re not sure how to connect. That’s okay, too. I want to hear all of it.

Because while there are a million books and blogs and experts on what to do with a baby, no one really hands you the manual for raising teens. And yet, they need us more than ever.

I’m thinking about doing more around this topic on the podcast—maybe bringing in a guest or two to talk through how to show up well for our teens, how to guide without controlling, and how to stay close even as they’re growing up and away.

So DM me, email me, send me a voice note—I want to hear your “Is it just me?” moments.

Because I promise, it’s not just you. It never is.

Much love,

Gayle