I remember when my kids were little, getting away for a night or a weekend was a welcomed break. Some parents don’t believe in this…that it somehow makes you less of a mom but I know that the break wasn’t only good for me; it was good for my children as well.
I am finding this to be true even now as they are getting older. Having teenagers can be exhausting at times, not necessarily in a physical way but emotionally. So I have to admit, that my daughter going away this weekend is a nice break. We actually both need this break from each other.
My daughter is going out of town to a youth retreat through church. It’s a chance for her to not only get a break from me but to reconnect to her faith. She always comes back from these things feeling more grounded and ready to tackle life.
I think it will also help us to appreciate each other more, as we get this time away. Because the reality is that relationships almost always hit a bump in the road, which has been the case for us.
I have been able to admit not only my need for a break, but the fact that she needs one just as well. Parents can get so caught up in the “woe is me” trap that we fail to see the other side’s view.
I know that our disagreements lately haven’t just hurt me; they have hurt her as well. My daughter and I are very close and we spend a lot of time together. So going through this difficult time isn’t easy on either of us.
It isn’t always possible but I do think that sometimes we need a break from our teens. And just as much as we do, they need it as well. We have to be able to recognize when this is necessary, not take it personally and then find a way to make it happen. You might just need a night or a weekend.
Take advantage of that time, though, to think of ways in which you can reconcile or mend whatever difficulties you are dealing with.
What do you think about taking a break from your teen?
Related Articles:
Parenting Teens Is Like a Rollercoaster Ride
Maintaining Your Relationship with Your Teen
Photo in stock.xchng