Watching our children grow up and become independent feels both amazing and awfully scary, at times, especially when you’re experiencing it for the first time.
I remember vividly when my first-born daughter wanted to learn how to drive. I knew she was now old enough and she was definitely capable… But, I was thinking irrationally because I was terrified.
I have a painful history and a present complicated relationship with cars, so my daughter resorted to having a thoughtful argument with me and help me see behind my fear.
I’m grateful that she learned how to drive and to become a safe driver. Elisha helped me so much when I was injured and couldn’t drive, but she also helped me to see her in a new light.
Even though she’s always been an eloquent and powerful communicator, I understood that she was firm and grounded with her point of view and really determined to make things happen.
When she was ready, she also presented a case for going to college 1,000 miles away, in the middle of a global crisis, before she even turned eighteen, even with my strong objections and desire to keep her near.
According to the Center for Parent and Teen Communication (CPTC), having a thoughtful argument with a parent or caregiver is a teen milestone. I love the perspective that we must learn to look for milestones and celebrate them. You can learn more about it here.
The CPTC is based within the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and its mission is to help parents raise teens prepared to thrive, by providing the knowledge, skills, and science-based strategies that support healthy and strong family relationships.
I invite you to sign up for the CPTC 100-word, daily parenting tip newsletter here to get it delivered to your inbox.
Which milestones have you observed in your teen son or daughter? You can read all the teen milestones here and let us know your story and your thoughts!
Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.
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