On Raising Teens

I never thought I would be 'just like my mother'. But to my teen girls, I am most likely just that! I'm clueless, not hip enough, I 'just don't understand', and at least once a week I ruin their lives! (unless I have a pocket full of cash and am willing to take them to the mall) In so many ways, things have changed drastically since I was a teenager, and in more ways they are just the same. Yet we made an agreement with them, at some time prior to their coming in, to take the responsibility of guiding them through the murky waters... and getting them to their jumping-off point. As hard as it is, I don't think I would trade it for anything in the world. It has taught me unconditional love, tolerance, and how to turn the other cheek, like no other experiences have ever taught me these lessons. No I will never be perfect in their eyes, not until they have gained the wisdom and experience of the years, and they look back at this time... and hopefully meet me again as if for the very first time.