It finally happened at my house. We have a teenager.
Please feel free to say lots of nice things like, “Wow Laura…you don’t look old enough to have a teenager.”
How is it possible that I can now share snow boots, flip-flops and sweat-shirts with my son? Although probably not for long. The kid is growing faster than he can eat. Almost.
Did I mention how cool he is? ;)
I will admit to feeling rather clueless as we have delved into this new phase of life. And for sure, we have had some moments where we’ve known without a doubt that our son is growing up and trying to figure himself out.
So many people that hear that Asa is turning 13 this week have been saying things like, “Good luck!” and “Oh wow, brace yourself!” As if having a teenager in your house means that our lives are about to change drastically. Really? Does it change that much? Surely he isn’t going to suddenly turn into a monster that is horrible to live with! Yeah, well what do I know? I’ve been the parent of a teenager for exactly eight hours.
We may be in for some trying years, but may I just take a moment to brag about my son? My teenage son?
He is delightful. He’s fun to be around. He’s talented. He’s great with little kids. He’s a great big brother. He’s super helpful to Matt and me. He’s smart. He’s responsible. He’s thoughtful. He’s kind. He’s respectful.
He loves the Lord.
Being a teenager is a time of struggle. It’s a time of figuring out who you’re going to be and what you will allow God to do in your life. We’ll take this stuff day by day, praying with Asa as we go.
Today, I’m thankful for my teenager. I am one blessed mama because of Asa. Here’s to the next few years of teenagerhood!
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Marla says
Wow, I didn’t realize that our boys were so close! Our son will be 13 on Wednesday. He too is delightful. Well, most of the time, lol! Happy Birthday Asa!
It Feels Like Chaos says
Happy Birthday to your handsome young man!! Please keep telling me teenagers are wonderful because in 10 years I’ll have 3 living in my house at the same time and sometimes I break out in a sweat just thinking about it!
Rhonda says
Happy Birthday Asa!! Teenagers are WONDERFUL!! We have had such fun with our kids as they have gone through the teen years. Enjoy your “teenager” Laura. Treasure every minute (I’m sure you already are).
Hallee the Homemaker says
I hope he has a blessed birthday. You can’t ask for more encouragement than a 13-year-old who loves the Lord!
Patti Sikes says
Precious memories for Asa’s mommy and daddy! Happy Birthday to Asa:
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Carolina Mama says
As a mom to a 17 and an 18 year old, as well as 4 younger people, let me just say, the teen years can really be a blessing. Since my boys are so close in age everybody was telling me, watch out, you just wait!! I’m still waiting…..life hasn’t always been perfect BUT we have kept the lines of communication open, pray for them A LOT, the years have been good and it has been a HUGE blessing having my teenage boys at home during these transition years when they are growing into young men. So don’t dread it, embrace it and enjoy your time together.
angie says
I say enjoy the adventure! My oldest is seven and I believe that you find so much more to do together and talk about as they get older, so keep your sense of humor and just enjoy every moment you have together!
Kathleen says
Another great Tuesday begun by thanking God. I’m all linked up…Have a great rest of the week, Laura!
Jennifer says
My husband and I lead the Jr. High youth group at my church, and I have to say that 13-year-old boys are probably my favorite age group. Of course I love the girls too. But since you have all boys I wanted to let you know that Jr. High boys are hilarious! They are so creative and funny in a clean, wholesome way. (Although, they do tell a lot of jokes that have to do with bodily functions…)
Congratulations on having a teenager, and don’t listen to the naysayers. Teenage boys are tons of fun!
Kimberlee says
Hope you will share your gained wisdom with us along the way!
Deb says
We have three teenagers, 17,15 and 13, boy, girl, girl. They are the greatest kids. No matter what age your kids are, people are always saying, “you have your hands full” or “just wait” but our kids are such a blessing. I will be a very sad mama when they all grow up. Enjoy it, time is flying at warp speed now and we have so many life lessons to cram in. =)
Shannon says
Yay! Happy Birthday. When I scrolled down to his first picture, I thought “aww, how cute”. Then his second picture and he does look cool! I bet he’s a great kid, er, teen!
DorthyM says
Happy birthday, Asa!
shorty says
I too am thankful for my teenager. He is 14 and SUCH a blessing. He is caring, loving, forgiving, understanding and cute!lol I was told it would hard hard hard and so far I have been so excited that it hasn’t been. We try and talk A LOT and I listen A LOT. When he gets that teenage attitude I ask him to check it at the door and so far 100% of the time he has. I can deal with the attitude if once it is brought to his attention he changes it. I am blessed just like you! Praise the Lord for sweet teenage boys:) (Now lets just hope the others I have will follow suite!LOL)
Angela Beery says
Happy Birthday Asa!
Lois says
Ok, Laura, you are not old enough to have a teenager! Now, I invite you to join the club. We are a family that never has teenagers. We have young adults. We have a 15 year old young lady and a 12 year old young man. Teenagers are figments of the popular culture’s imagination. I think the term was coined in the 1950’s. I’m grateful that as Christians we don’t have to think and act like the world. Children who are taught to love the Lord and observe their parents’ behavior, grow into young adults who love the Lord. Congratulations to your family!
Anita says
I’m a homeschool mom of two teenage boys & I have to say that mine are pretty wonderful as well. Yes, there are times that we have issues & butt heads, but as a general rule I really don’t think I could ask for better kiddos!
Hugs & Blessings,
(¯`v´¯)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`?Anita
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/
aseknc(at)gmail(dot)com
Erin Guerrero says
I was always very close to my mom, as a homeschooled kid since 7th grade, we were BFs. BUT I did rebel, my only advice is tell your child the facts both negitive and positive and let them decide. If not, they may go behind your back. I won’t go into details, but just say I got very lucky. My mom and I are still BFs, after a few years of not talking. My parents even put enough trust in my husband and I to live in their rental house and to pay rent on time. So my only advice is you cannot make every decision for your son, you cannot smother him, that is how I felt and still feel about my teenage years. That is why many teens rebel. Give him the space he needs, slowly over the years. Maintain a set of household rules that must be followed and let him make some decisions on his own that don’t sacrifice the integrity of your home. Enjoy his teenage years and happy birthday to Asa!!
Megan says
I left the teen years not too many years ago (age 27). If you expect a teen to be difficult and moody, that might be what actually ticks them off and makes them act angry. It kind of annoyed me that that’s what people expected. Happy birthday, Asa!
elaine says
Wow, Laura … you don’t look old enough to have a teenager!! Seriously!! “Teenage-hood” is one of my favorite stages (I would have a hard time picking a favorite, though – I pretty much love them all!). We are the proud parents of an almost 22yod, a 20yos, a 14yod and a 13 yod. They are all terrific!! As youth pastors for 4 years we had a blast with those kids and were so touched by their lives. Don’t listen to the bad reports the world (and “well meaning” friends and relatives) will bring. Stick with waht the Word says about our children … “they shall rise up and call us blessed”!! Happy Birthday, Asa!!
Dawnette Thomas says
I have enjoyed having a teenager (15) in my house. Watching how she thinks, responds and changes is truly a blessing. A nice wise lady once told me, “Everything is a stage. Don’t wish a stage away because one day you will really miss that stage. Rather it be a good or bad stage.” I am encouraged by your positive outlook. You will enjoy having a teen and all the new thoughts they bring to your relationship. Blessings to all of you.
Emily says
Asa is such a great kid! It’s been amazing watching him grow up and grow in the Lord.
Dana @ Bungalow'56 says
This is my first visit. I do a weekly Gratitude post on Sundays which I am happy to share here. I’m looking forward to visiting other grateful bloggers. Thanks.
Dana
Dana @ Bungalow'56 says
After perusing your blog a little, I think I may need your help. Funny how things work. I just posted a “I Can’t Cook” post today. So needless to say I am happy to have found your site.
Dana
Christine says
Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your family with us. Sounds like teenage years are a bit like the “terrible two’s, three’s, four’s, five’s, etc.” It would be nice if you would consider parenting advice segments.
victoria says
Welcome to the world of teenagers! Hubby and I are the proud parents of 3 boys, 16yo, 14 yo and 11 yo. So far, so good. It can be bumpy terrain at times (driving, girls, curfews, etc.) but it can also be a true joy, this time of raising up boys into men.
My 16 yo old (only 1 month shy of 17) is so driven to have his freedom at this point in his life. (Oh, how I remember myself being just like this at this age!!) Just like the men with the talents in the Bible, as he has shown increasing responsibility he has gained increasing freedoms. Occasionally he will make a poor or careless decision and mom and dad have to subtract some of that hard-earned freedom. I choose to see these as “growing moments” for him, as it often leads to much conversation and increased opportunity to help him learn more and more what it means to be a “godly” man.
I would encourage you to read everything you can get your hands on concerning how to prepare your boys for the inevitable moment when you launch them into the big, wide world out there. Last summer I pick up a book called, “Ready for Responsibility” and though I do not agree with all of it, much of it helped hubby and I to think deeply and be quite intentional in our training of our young men.
Good luck with your wonderful young man! I’m sure God has great plans for him:)
Victoria
Sherry says
Praise God for teenagers! Each phase of their growth comes with its own set of challenges but rewards as well. :D My daughter has grown so much spiritually and physically. It is a blessing to see how God is working in her life. :D
Shelly says
Well, as a mother to a 15yr old stepson, the teenage thing was only one of our mountains to climb. :0)
He has grown so much since 12yrs old, matured, learned and loved in a way he never knew he could. He is such a blessing in our lives.
The only challenge we have faced is testosterone. It takes a while to get here, but when it does – WHEW!…..It hits hard! A little aggression here and there, body changes he’s not comfortable talking about, and certain things or questions that cross his mind. I am not sure we were prepared, but with a wonderful teenager, it becomes quite easy to overlook the momentary problems. We LOVE our boy!
Danielle B says
Wow. Just reading this got me a little teary. I’m the mom of a 4 year old, 3 year old, and almost 4 month old, and when I hear people talk about having teenagers I just think, “Will we even make it to that point???!!!!” :-)
We’ve had some real problems to overcome over the last few months but the best thing someone told me was to praise my children 10x more then I correct them. We really started trying to do this just a few weeks ago, but the changes are already wonderful. I feel happier, and because I’m always focusing on what they’re doing right, the things they don’t do quite so right fall into a better perspective. Everything doesn’t seem SO BIG.
Now, as I said before, my only experience with teenagers was being one and having teenage friends, but I would imagine that praise works wonders for all of us. When so much of the world tells us that what we do isn’t good enough, fast enough, etc. how wonderful to hear the parents we look up to tell us all the things we are doing right. Even as an “adult” I feel so encouraged when my Dad tells me I’m a wonderful mother and the things I’m doing well at.
Good job Laura for staying positive and encouraging that wonderful oldest son of yours! You may never know how much all your praise means to him!
Kerry D. says
It’s wonderful to hear you’re enjoying your now teen son, since so many people don’t seem to appreciate older children. I particularly enjoy being with my three teens! I loved them as babies, but as they are nearing adulthood, it’s exciting to see their character, gifts and talents develop. They are such wonderful and talented people.
I agree with the post above–lots of compliments, whenever genuinely possible and also to let them know how much you love them, every single day. Lots of hugs if they’ll allow. Our oldest went through some very difficult times, but I think that telling him clearly that we love him was instrumental in helping him get through. Even when angry, or strongly disagreeing, also ending with “I love you.”
Kerry