Bren officially turns 13 next month. So, I thought I should capture more of his snapshots and share a little update about him before he is termed a “teenager” by several sources of definitions.

According to the urban dictionary : Teenagers are “People who are treated like children but expected to act like adults”.

Very true.  I need a wake-up call for myself  to embrace what I called as 3 As to parenting a teenager : Accept the changes, Adjust and Adapt.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

As a start, I will have to be sensitive to our boy’s feelings and share less of Bren’s daily lives on this little blog space. Instead, I could share more general insights on parenting of teens, challenges and motivational topics for parents/teens as I sail along a new parenting chapter. Hopefully, it would benefit parents who are embarking on a new journey as Papa Ed and me.

TRANSITIONS

As first time parent of teenager, even now, I am encountering a different twist of parenting experience and challenges.   However, I still believe that only with challenges, then can we better ourselves.

I admit I felt helpless in the process, sometimes losing my composure and at other times turning to reading other people’s experiences to seek self-comfort or improvement.

Bren 10 vs Ben 10

When the sailing gets tough, I begin to appreciate  the many kind and innocent sides of our boy and the strong bond that he has never let go with his parents even after gaining much independence now as a Secondary 1 boy.

I value the lunch dates that he insists to have with me alone once a week….. the fact that I am still the main person he pours his woes and good news to….the kind words that he is never stingy to offer to me ….the school episodes that he is more than eager to share with me…the efforts he has put into celebrating each family member’s birthday…..the appreciation for every dish I cooked……the initiatives he still maintains in doing his best in all school or non-school related tasks entrusted upon him.

Looking back, I am truly full of gratitude for having this precious first-born who has made parenting a joy for us. It has never been a piece of cake but he has been sensible and done us proud in many things he does.

Whatever challenges await as a TEEN, we will be there for him.

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