When I brought each one of my babies home from the hospital, I was always amazed by their tiny feet. I don’t why the 10 little toes were so precious looking to me, but they were.
Feet represent footsteps and footprints. They are the tools we use to get us from one destination to another. They carry us through our journeys and help us forge our paths. As each one of my kids grow, I often wonder where each of their footsteps will take them.
On Easter, my son’s 16-year-old, size 13 feet brought him on his first teenage road trip. He headed down south to Ventura to soak up some sun, boogie board and do other teenage boy things I don’t want to know about. They of course were accompanied by his friend’s mom. A brave woman in my opinion to be responsible for three teenage boys. Hats off to her.
This was the first time I let one of my teenagers go on a trip outside of our family. They have never gone on a long distance school trip before like so many of their classmates. I never had the mindset of offering travel to them, for many reasons.
But this time, when my son asked if he could go, I didn’t hesitate much. It felt right, and most importantly, he was ready and mature enough to appreciate it. He now understands the joy of a nine-hour car ride.
He will enjoy the beautiful house on the beach where they are staying, the sound of the crashing surf at night, and the camaraderie of his buddies. I hope he creates lifelong memories for himself. I’m excited for him and the adventure he embarked on.
My teen daughter also asked to go on a trip. It was with her high-school down to Mexico for seven days. My immediate answer was no. This trip didn’t feel right. She is only 14, and would have been very far away had anything happened.
Sadly, my daughter has a major travel bug. She is itching to go explore and see and experience new things. As much as I would like to support her, she is not ready yet. Maybe next year or summer; that timing feels right. There is a big difference between 14 and 16. As much as she dislikes me for it, I think it’s for good reason.
It’s kind of cool embarking on this new chapter. I’m getting better at saying yes to more independent teenage activities. I’m learning to put my trust more in their decision making. I need to also trust that they will keep themselves safe and not endanger themselves. I’ve had years of their attention and their listening ears. It’s time for them to live a little.
I’m also liking the shift in my parenting style. I can’t wait for my son to finally get his license. I can send him to the store, to get gas and other errands I have had the pleasure of doing for 16 years. It’s his turn to take the wheel, get what it takes to make things happen.
And my daughter as well. She will be an amazing, responsible 16-year-old, but she has a few years to just chill and walk where she wants to go.
My footsteps got me to where I am today. I live in beautiful Sonoma County, I have an amazing husband and the four most coolest, awesome kids I could have ever imagined.
During my youth, I walked over some pretty big hurdles. I fell a few times but I found my way back up and chose a path that lead me to happiness. That’s all I could ever hope for my teens as this new chapter in our lives takes hold. Much luck to all you other families embarking on the same journey. May this generation’s footsteps be life changing.
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at el*********@ms*.com.
