FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS
MINDFUL PARENTING Let’s Talk Teens BY STACEY JOHNSON, LPC . PHOTO PROVIDED.
AUTHOR STACEY JOHNSON AND HER DAUGHTERS
Empowering teens with life lessons
What do you recall learning about life from your parents as a teenager? I don’t recall intentionally sitting down for talks or teachings in all of the areas that swarm our teenagers’ lives these days. The list of things to cover with each child is seemingly endless! Where is the manual? I just want to check things off and not miss important bullets so my kids aren’t the ones saying one day: “My mom never talked to me about those things.” I do remember my mom laughing. I remember her dancing in the kitchen on Saturday mornings to Stevie Nicks as she thoughtfully put together a plate of her favorite cheese and crackers to indulge in. I remember her working hard, so hard, doing whatever it took to build us a better life. I remember her taking us to fun festivals on the weekends, early rides in the car to school, her advocating fiercely for me — never afraid to speak her mind — and I remember she always took great care of herself. I always loved that about her. I guess, as I sit with it a little, I do recall some of those teachable moments. How about you?
On the mom side … whew! Here’s just a sliver of my stream of thought when I consider the things I want to empower my kids to remember … • Healthy boundaries, financial freedom, the power of how you start your day and therapy. • The importance of physiology, movement, exercise and eating healthy and the punk sugar can be to our bodies. • Diversity, politics, social issues, drinking enough water, empathy, play, rest, reading, safety and how to say NO loud and clear when someone gets in your personal space or, God forbid, touches your precious, precious body. • Time management, the best music, the beauty and healing of travel, how to cook and how to pay bills, how to do laundry and properly clean your room and to periodically get your hair and nails done.
34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021
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