My twin daughters just turned 16. Along with the incredible gratitude and hardly-contained love I feel for my children, I wanted to reflect on being a parent in this particular moment in time.
- I remember having dreamy day-dreams imagining my twin daughters as sixteen-year-olds.
- I wondered what kind of parent I would become. Do I have the freedom to make mistakes?
- I want to fearlessly talk with them about sex, life, death, relationships and their place in the world—no matter how anxious it makes me.
- I ask myself, will my children actually talk to me or ignore me?
- I worry about all that could happen to them and they show me their enduring resilience every day.
- I look around and try to understand the world they live in.
- I stand back and observe their friendships—what are they saying to each other?
- I see who they choose to hang out with. I embrace these new voices of authority and look for openings of influence.
- I watch them try to figure out who they are while bathed in pop culture, hoping I resonate down deep.
- I expect them to be kind to the awkward kid at school.
- I hope they have the right information to share with a friend who’s in trouble.
- I quake at the thought of their first relationship—let it be caring, fun, and nurturing.
- I yearn for teachers that ignite their curiosity and respect their thinking.
- I optimistically expect that all the adults around them will demonstrate loving and equitable relationships.
- I imagine them standing up for their friends and joining with strangers to build their community.
- I long to raise brave, lion-hearted, compassionate, jubilant, genuine young women who can take care of themselves, will experience sustenance in their work, and express love for themselves and those they hold dear.
Can You Relate? 