When your kids were younger, you provided the structure. This meant that you could usually create schedules and expectations that worked pretty well for you!
But when your kid becomes a teenager, and has a much more independent life (and personality!) parents find themselves having to put some of their preferences and assumptions aside. For example–your daughter isn’t big on talking about her life… until it’s 10pm and you want to go to bed. Or, you really like taking mini-road trips on the weekend, but your son’s debate team meetings are taking up half of every weekend!
A big part of successful teen parenting is keeping a positive relationship with someone who needs to spread their wings and start taking charge of their own life… mistakes and all. As they assert themselves, do things their way, and branch out… it really requires flexibility from parents.
Flexibility in parenting isn’t easy. So over the years, I’ve found the Wacky Wavy Inflatable Guy to be a good, silly, metaphor for the process. Parenting isn’t always quite this tumultuous, but when it is, think of this dude as your mascot.
A friend actually gave me a desk-sized Inflatable Guy recently, and I had a little fun making this video (a reel? Whatever the kids call it these days.). Hope you enjoy.
