Teenagers often get a bad rap. Today’s generation of teens get accused of being selfish, lazy and entitled. But I think that there are people of all generations that exhibit those qualities. In fact, I think…no, I’ve seen, that a lot of teens today are the most driven, compassionate, and hard working kids you’d ever want to meet. They have goals, they love fiercely, and they play hard. My 14 year old son is no exception. If I’m completely honest here, I didn’t realize what and amazing young man he’d truly become until the last few months. You moms know what I mean right? You see your kid every day, you love them, and you know there are so many great things about them, but there’s something, a moment that comes about that you come to the realization that they’re not your little boy anymore – they’re growing up, making decisions and coming into their own. They are amazing for a whole new set of reasons beside simply being your child.
For me, this epiphany has come over the last couple of months. Now don’t get me wrong, my teen has always been my pride and joy. He’s gone through a lot in his few years but no matter what he’s always been funny and compassionate – if there’s a puppy, kitten, or baby in the house, you’ll find this guy cuddled up with it making sure it’s okay and loved!
What happened this year to open this mama’s eyes you ask? High school. I wasn’t ready…it’s been coming at me for a few years now. I know how this works, but I wasn’t prepared for high school. I didn’t think Eli was either – he’s always been a pretty reserved kiddo, quiet, not causing any problems, but not overly social either. It worried me because I know how kids can be and I didn’t want his quiet and somewhat shy demeanor to be viewed as weakness by kids because you know that happens. Well, this mama was worried over nothing. In a few short months my little boy has blossomed into the teen that I think was always there, but just needed to find his passion to fully engage. That passion it turns out is Marching Band; drum line to be specific. I now have a child who was nothing short of a homebody, that is now wanting to try out for section leader so he can help other kids and make their drum line award winning in the region. WOW! Those are lofty goals but I have no doubt he will achieve them because if this season is any indication, he won’t stop until he makes it.
Band camp this summer, nine hours a day, six days a week, for two weeks straight in 100+ degree heat carrying a huge bass drum all day. Not a single complaint. Evening and weekend practices during the school week? Never missed one. Go to school early and stay late to practice with the upperclassmen? Yup, a couple times a week at least. Spending the night on a gym floor just to get up the next morning and perform while its down pouring and freezing? Just part of the gig and he’s doing it with some amazing friends; and you know what? He loves every second and I am so beyond proud of him for his accomplishments and my heart is full and full of excitement to see what this amazing teenager is going to accomplish over the next three and 1/2 years of high school and even beyond that.
So to sum it up, why is my teenager one of the most amazing and inspiring people in my life? He loves fiercely, he wants to protect those that need it (don’t even try messing with his little sister!), he has lofty goals and he is driven to achieve them, he wants not only to do the best he can, but he wants to help others achieve success as well. Go Big or Go Home right?! He’s smart and he’s funny and he’s compassionate. And every single day, he makes me so beyond proud to be his mom.
Go Big and Win Big With Yoplait & Your Amazing Teen
Go Big is the yogurt pouch made with real fruit and a large size to satisfy your busy, growing teen because they need the fuel to keep the awesome going. With the fast and easy grip & rip design, they have a quick, satisfying, snack and they’re ready to get back to what’s important to them. You can pick up Go Big pouches at many local grocers including, Fred Meyer. They come in either Cherry & Peach Mango or Mixed Berry & Strawberry so grab one or grab both! I can’t even tell you how handy these are to have around when your teen is on the go as much as mine is lately!
Yoplait Go Big is asking all the parents of teens out there to write a letter to your teen, sharing why they are amazing. I think often we believe our kids know how great we think they are, but sometimes we just need to tell them instead of assuming they know and this is an awesome opportunity to do just that. Once you’ve done that, don’t stop there, share the story of your amazing teen and you may have the opportunity to have Go Big give them a little time in the spotlight too. Just check out the Go Big Facebook page and share how your teen inspires you. Out of all the entries received, Go Big will select three teens with amazing stories and give them a platform to show the world and possibly even $3,000 cash! You can find full contest rules on the Go Big Facebook Page.
What is amazing about your teen? What are they doing in life that inspires you? How do they Go Big? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
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