Sunday, February 13, 2011

Well....it's been a while...I am parenting teenagers!

I can happily say that I am not going backwards on my new year's resolutions...however, I am not leaping forward in huge bounds with those goals, but I am making baby steps. 

I have not managed to run 3 x per week (on the street), but I have gotten back to the gym.  Even when I am crunched for time, I have convinced myself that a fast run for 20 min. is better than not getting there at all! 

I am shifting my attitude on several things (more on that in the days to come), and realizing that often it is just the perspective that I use that blocks achieving my goals. 

Today, I am wondering about parenting teenagers.  I have 2!  Both are daughters!  They are wonderful kids--very smart, very considerate of others (outside of family, that is), compassionate and caring.  All of this is good!  But, sometimes, I do not know what to do with them. 

I am afraid that I have taught them to consider others before themselves; and to over-commit themselves to too many things; and to cave to high anxiety when they are afraid that they want get their work finished to their level of perfection.  I am, also, afraid that I haven't taught them enough about being responsible and reasonable, or taking care of what they have. 

For most of their lives, I have believed that if they know they are loved, that really is the most important thing.  I still believe that!  But, sometimes I wonder if I haven't taught them other essentials. 

Today has been a difficult day of too many projects to complete, too much homework, and stress from the pressure.  I have been fussed at and have fussed back.  (I am human!) We all have said things that we should not have.  But as we prepare for bed, I know that I am loved by them; and I hope they know that they are loved by me....I will tell them, just to be sure!

My daughters are wonderful!  I look at them and see smart, charming, witty, compassionate, caring, beautiful young women.  

Maybe I should just be thankful that they know my love is secure enough to survive a stressed anxiety outburst!