My oldest turned 17 years old just a few months ago. We sat down and created a vision board for her senior year of high school, as well as things she wanted to accomplish beyond that. Imagine my shock when she had not even thought about a career. To me, it felt like the end of the world, but to her, she was a new 17-year-old, coming off of her junior year of high school. For her, life was about working hard and staying up late to balance six AP courses while trying to be a normal teen.
The Center for Parent and Teen Communication helped me to understand more about the “Setting Life Goals” milestone for teens. Using science-based strategies, CPTC can help parents understand the ins and outs of teenage life.
So her vision board was a little, well… light. And you know what? That is perfectly okay.
When I think about the milestones that kids are supposed to hit, you think about the typical walking, talking, reading, writing, tying shoes, etc. What we don’t think about or even realize is that our teens are also hitting milestones. Sometimes that next milestone may look like being able to study calculus for 45 minutes and not get frustrated. Or being able to take time out of their busy schedule to spend time with a sibling. Or even just filling out one college application.
Want more tips on communicating with your teen? Be sure to sign for the Center for Parent and Teen Communication email list. In less than 100 words, you will learn how to meet your teen where they are.
What milestones have you noticed in your teens? Be sure to follow me on social @ourbeautifulbrownlife on Instagram and Grits & Grace on Facebook and let’s talk about it!
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
