Ugh – teenagers. One would think that by now I would be ‘well-seasoned’ when it came to dealing with all the issues that surface during the teenage years. Ashley is my youngest teen. She has two brothers and a sister who have been teenagers for quite a while. But no matter, she is doing a fine job of increasing the number of grey hairs on my head. Funny thing is, the qualities I so desperately want her to have as an adult are the qualities that are currently driving me bonkers.
I want Ashley to be strong-willed and opinionated. Those two qualities will serve her well when she is an adult and other people want to have pity on her for her disabilities or have very low expectations of her. I want her to speak up for herself, and not back down when she believes strongly in something. I want her to be able to say “no” or “back off” or “leave me alone”. I want her to have goals for herself, and then do whatever she can to accomplish those goals. I want her to seek out the things she enjoys in life and let nothing stand in her way of obtaining those things. I want her to express her feelings, be they good or not-so-good feelings. But gosh darn it, does she need to be practicing each and every one of those skills right now, and with such a vengence?
You wear me out, my dear child, and the thought that the best (worst?) is yet to come scares me to death!
I always say, "You are waearing me out!" as well. I can't help it. There are days where M totally exhausts me in every way.
ReplyDeleteStrong willed is good. It will serve Ashley and M well. Might send us over the edge sometimes but it is worth it.
I had to smile. I share your sentiments!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. I worked hard to raise a strong willed, independent, outspoken girl, and I succeeded. Be careful what you wish for. Hee Hee.
ReplyDelete