Happy belated Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. I hope your day was filled with love and laughter. It’s truly a day to admire your children and be proud of all the work you do on a daily basis. As moms we wear many hats. My hats range from nurse, to psychologist, chef, confidant and personal assistant to name a few. Children, especially teenagers, don’t really understand all that motherhood entails. As you know, it’s the hardest job in the world. On Sunday, I officially took the day off.
When my teens were little, I reveled in the Mother’s Day experience. From the homemade cards, and play dough sculptures, to breakfast in bed. Littles are so loving and huggable. Teens are a little more moody and self-involved. So, this year, for my day I asked my teens to do everything that I normally would do. I really wanted a break and it being Mother’s Day, they couldn’t complain. I gave them a list, and I sat back and watched the day roll out.
To my surprise, they really came through. Teenagers have many sides. They are funny, wacky, hormonal, emotional and sometimes selfish. But with age comes maturity, and that is one of my favorite characteristics of my teens. They are capable of cleaning a house, chasing the toddler around outside, doing chores, but most importantly, they are capable of leaving their teenage angst behind for a day. To see a teenager be mindful of needs other than their own is a beautiful thing. Teenagers are often full of surprises. Some good, some scary and some wonderful.
After a busy day and a picnic with extended family, we all sat on the couch and I opened my cards. Each teen wrote something very endearing and kind to me. In fact, later that night I reread them and cried a happy tear. If my teens love me and appreciate me in some way, then I’m doing something right. If they can see me as a person, not just as their mom, then they have learned something valuable.
As I begin my week and assume the role of mom, doer of all things, I am choosing to embrace life with a smile. If my teens drive me nuts today or in the days forward, it’s OK. Next Mother’s Day will be here in a blink of an eye. I have 365 days to enjoy my teens, watch them grow, cry with them or because of them … and you know what? I wouldn’t change a second of it. Enjoy and embrace your teens everyone! They will be grown before you know it.
