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To My Teen, No Matter What Happens, I’ll Love You Through It All

teenager growing up

 

To my amazing teenager,

I love watching you grow up and discover who you are and all you want to be. These teen years are when things really get good, because there’s nothing more exciting than seeing you become the person you were meant to be.

I love watching you discover your strengths and learn many new skills. I love watching you explore all the possibilities that come with growing up as you’re slowly realizing all you can do. These are the years when you begin to believe that you can pave your own path and be who you are- as you learn what that all really means.

But I know that it’s not an easy road you’re on. There are so many things you’re trying to do and learn and be. It’s the toughest stage of life, honey. There’s so much pressure you’re facing during these teen years. I know there are so many things you don’t even share.

It’s not easy growing up, I know.

And as you get older, there will be so much more for you to manage, to learn, and to understand. You’re still a kid, so don’t expect to be #adulting when you still have lots of growing up to do. You still need me to parent you.

I want to dive into those hard places and help you wade through the messes. I want to encourage you when you’re struggling and help you when you’re overwhelmed. I want to be a shoulder for you to cry on and a sounding board when you need to figure things out. I want to be a trusted confidant and counselor, guiding you through these years. I want to be your biggest fan when you shine and a soft place for you when you fall. There’s no one in this world that believes in you more than I do. I will always be there for you, no matter what you go through.

It’s easy to love someone through the good times. It’s easy to be there for someone when they are celebrating victories or achievements and you support them while they succeed. And my gosh, I love showing up for you in those extraordinary moments when you do great things. I am so proud of you for trying so hard, for being so brave, for doing all that you do, being you.

But life as a teen can take you through tough terrain, filled with failure and heartache, disappointment and pain. You will be faced with hard things and I know you have already had your share. There will be a lot more tests and trials to come as you continue to get older and I want you to know that no matter what happens, no matter how bad things get, I’ll love you through it all.

When you make big mistakes, when you really mess up. When things fall apart and you want to give up, I’ll love you through it.

When you struggle with schoolwork or you fail a hard test. When your grades take a dive after doing your best, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re in a foul mood and you push me away. When your emotions take over and you don’t mean what you say, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re drowning in drama and difficult friends, when it seems like the conflicts will never end, I’ll love you through it.

When you feel betrayed, hurt, and alone. When your heart is breaking and you have nowhere to go, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re confused and afraid, unsure what to do. When you don’t understand why things happen to you, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re taking brave steps and facing your fears. When you let yourself down and cry angry tears, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re tired of trying so hard every day, when nothing seems to be going your way, I’ll love you through it.

When you’re filled with shame for a decision you made. When you regret things you’ve done, and the price that you’ve paid, I’ll love you through it.

When you wish things were different, when you hate who you are. When you feel like a failure and it’s all just too hard, I’ll love you through it.

When you can’t see the gifts that are growing in you. When comparison robs you of all of your truths, I’ll love you through it.

When the world seems so big and you feel so small. When you feel like you simply can’t manage it all.  I’ll love you through it.

So remember dear child that you’re never alone. I’m here for you always…

To love you through it all. 

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. CHRISTINA M VAN ALSTINE says:

    Thank you for this. My daughter is only 9 but is already facing so much and the tween years are nipping at her heels. She’s already experiencing the wonders of becoming a woman at such a young age. My husband and I have been struggling with the words to make her understand we are there for her, nothing has changed with our love and our support. This “letter” will help us get that across to her. She enjoys my daily lunch box love notes, which started out as drawings in Pre-school to hand written messages in Elementary and the occasional print out of quotes. I believe I can morph your words into my own and she will gobble it up and read this as sacred.

    1. Sheryl Gould says:

      Christina – I am so happy that you’re using the lunch box love notes!! Being 9 today there is a lot of transitions. She is blessed to have you for her mom building her up and supporting her no matter what. xoSheryl

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