This post is sponsored by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication
When my kids were little, I looked forward to all the firsts, but as a parent of a high school senior, those milestones are dwindling. These days I find myself looking backward and forward, suffering whiplash because of how quickly time has passed.
Last week, I was looking through old pictures from my daughter’s first year of soccer to send to her high school coach for the senior night slideshow. I remember those early days of playing with her and her teammates bunched around the ball, oblivious to things like field position, open players, and passing strategies.
These days I find myself sitting in the stands thinking of how far she has come as a player and a person. I’m counting down the number of soccer games that are left in her high school career, not wanting to miss a single game, play, and chance to cheer her on.
We’re past the final high school homecoming, well into submitting college applications. High school graduation is on the horizon. Summer plans with friends are being made as a last hurrah before heading off to college.
As bittersweet as these moments are, I know they’re ones my daughter is ready for. They’re milestones she’s been working towards her whole life.
The (CPTC) says monumental growth and change during the teen years is important. The efforts in reaching these milestones are to be celebrated because they culminate in a young adult figuring out who they want to be.
Next year when my daughter is an independent college student, I hope she knows I’ll always be her loudest cheerleader. I’ll support her during life’s bad plays , root for her continued growth, and be just as excited for upcoming milestones in her next phase of life.
? The CPTC provides science-based strategies to support healthy family relationships and this month they’re observing teen milestones. Read them and let me know which cool changes you’ve noticed!
For more information about CPTC, sign up for their to gain practical tips for parenting teens.
This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own.