We named him Benjamins to manifest money, but after only a week he’s already brought riches to my life. A teacup Yorkie, barely big enough to fit in my palm, has become my sanctuary amidst the summer chaos of motherhood.
Raising teenage boys is like getting a new puppy—minus the cute, floppy ears and unconditional tail wagging. Instead, you get deep sighs, eye rolls, and a level of nonchalance even though there’s shit everywhere.
When you bring a puppy home, there's an unspoken contract of joy and chaos. You know there will be messes, chewed-up shoes, and the occasional puddle on the floor. But there's also the overwhelming cuteness and those moments when they curl up in your lap, making it all worthwhile.
Teenage boys, however, come with their own set of rules. The messes are less about chewed shoes and more about dirty socks spread across the house (turned inside out). The chaos involves navigating curfews and deciphering grunts and “bruhs” that you hope translate to “I love you.”
Here's what I've learned from raising both: you have to hold your peace and save your sanity by expecting the dishwasher to sit open yet unemptied for at least a week. With puppies, you expect to train them. With teenage boys, you realize that the training is mutual. You teach them life skills, and they teach you patience.
Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Did he remember to take out the trash without being asked? Victory! Did he say "thanks" without prompting? Frame it. These moments are your gold stars, your badges of honor in the teenage parenting marathon.
Whatever you do, do it for you. You whip up their favorite meal, not because you're waiting for a parade in your honor, but because it brings you joy to see them enjoy it (even if the thanks come in the form of a mumbled “good dinner”). Teenagers are appreciative, even if they don't say it every day. And in reality, they shouldn't have to. Your truth lies in knowing that you're doing your best, and that's enough.
So, when the going gets tough, remember that teenage boys, like puppies, will eventually grow up. They’ll look back and realize the value of everything you did. Until then, hold your peace, lower your expectations, and celebrate the wins. After all, you’re not just raising a teenager—you’re nurturing a future adult who will (hopefully) remember to call his mom and say thank you someday.
And trust me, that day will come, right around the time you’re least expecting it, like finding a long-lost shoe that the puppy hid months ago.
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