Ep 51: Bittersweet Steps: Parenting a Teenager

November 26, 2024
Love You More
Ep 51: Bittersweet Steps: Parenting a Teenager

Episode summary:
 
In this emotional episode, Jen opens up about navigating raising a teenager and watching her 13-year-old son grow up and start to pull away. Jen shares her raw feelings about the sudden changes in their once easy, close bond, reflecting on how quickly her son seems to be coming into his own. While she knows this independence is a healthy part of growing up, it’s left her grappling with this mix of pride and sadness. 

Through this candid conversation, Jen seeks to foster connection and remind herself—and others—that these feelings are part of the process of parenting.  
 

Favorite quotes:
 
“It used to be so easy to be together and to feel like every moment was a chance for quality time.”

“[As a parent] Especially if our kids are young…find and be there for yourself and find things you enjoy doing. If our identities and who we are, are 99.9 percent wrapped up in parenting or our children, I think it’s going to be really dang painful when those kids leave.”

 Additional Resources
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers Website (book and podcast!
Rob Bell Podcast

Past Episodes
Real Talk on Women's Health with Dr. Melanie McKean
Would you say that to your bestie? The Power of Self Compassion
 
 

Calls to action
Follow me on Instagram:  @jenmcdanielrdn
Episode Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835775/episodes/16085423