In this 4th Episode of Power Your Life Today Season 3: #ParentingPower, I was able to discuss with my parents the nature of raising Teenagers and the complexities that come with this age group. Topics we explored together:

• Where the phrase "the aliens sucked their brains out" came from and how my parents felt about raising not just 7 teenagers, but MANY others as well (cousins, "adoptees,' etc.).
• How teenagers make decisions based on emotion, not logic and consequences
• The time my parents surprised me on my birthday at the high school and how I felt at the time vs. now
• Ways that Dad was able to interact with us kids even while being a working dad
• The traditions our family had, and how this helped with bonding and connection, even during chaotic teenage years.
• How to handle when your teenager is acting out and experimenting with things that make you upset.
• The art of apologizing to teenage children, seeking to understand and validate, and properly communicate without jumping to conclusions

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BUTCHERBOX (Quality Meats Shipped Straight To Your Door Each Month--Kristy Jo / Body Buddies Recommended Product!)   In this episode, I gained a greater appreciation for the difficulty it was for my parents to raise us kids. As a child, I wanted to make my parents proud of me. I knew what they taught.   Though I never rebelled as a teenager, there were some difficult phone calls home later as an "adult child." I am sure that my other siblings also experienced the difficulty of reporting something difficult to our parents, but receiving the outpouring of love that we did. I can't imagine what that was like for my parents and have a greater level of appreciation for the heavy burden us kids may have been on them.   They are incredible people to be as resilient as they are!   I also am inspired by how much their faith has been an anchor for their marriage, parenting, and continued trust in God during difficult times.   Favorite quote from Mom in this episode:

"If you want to be able to deal with your teenagers, they have to know they matter to you and not that they're a 'pain in the neck.'"

 

Favorite quote from Dad in this episode:

"I always did love you guys. That never changed. And you kids knew that"