Let’s Look

Hello and happy Wednesday! I hope you’ve been having a great week so far.

I missed Let’s Look in July and August, but I’m linking up with Shay and Erika today.

So far this year we’ve looked at…

• Low level goals for 2025 in January
• How you work on your marriage in February
• How you reset for the week on Sunday in March
• Maintaining friendships in April
• Our wellness routine in May
• Travel bucket lists in June
• Things I’ve changed my mind about in July (no post from me)
• Juggling family schedules in August (no post from me)

This month we’re looking at…managing teenage life.

Ahh…teen life! It probably goes without saying that most teens are far busier than I was during my teenage years.

Of course, I have two teens at once keeping us busy, so many days feel like a blur!

I’m no expert, and to be honest, the teen years as a parent haven’t been the easiest. I take solace in the fact that I think parenting teens isn’t easy for most.

As far as my kids are concerned, communication tends to be the key element in regards to making sure we’re all straight about weekly schedules and who needs to be where and when. Family group chat is where it’s at. haha

I’ve told them that having a phone is a responsibility, so it’s up to them to have the app to check their grades and communicate with their teachers. In middle school, I would screen shot missing assignment notifications and send it to them if needed. Then, I transitioned to just telling them to check their grades. Now in high school, thankfully, they seem to have a handle on what they need to do.

This summer, Hadley had an app to check for her work schedule, and she would let me know when she had to work.

Also, I’ve had people reach out asking if the kids can do things like babysit or mow their lawn. I’ve replied, but then shared my kids’ contacts with those (trusted) adults and the same with my kids. I’m happy to make the connection, but it’s up to my kids to respond and follow up.

Also, this topic also could include managing teen life in regards to raising teens and well, I will continue to take any advice that you have!

Obviously, as a high school teacher, I have some experience managing teens. I try to keep in mind that they often have much more going on in their lives besides school, and there are far more good days than bad.

My kids are good kids and they still keep me on my toes.

There’s no better time to chat than when we’re in the car. Sometimes, I wait to talk about things with each kid when we’re one on one because I don’t need the other chiming in. Also, I like to respect their privacy in that way too.

I will say that being with teens all day and then coming home two teens, depending on what’s going on, can be more than I want to handle. If that’s the case, I tap Trav in.

I do think I do a good job of not making a big deal about every little thing. I want them to be able to come talk to us (or each other) if needed. The teen years are for pushing the limits and making mistakes, but as I’ve told both kids many times, the clock is ticking on my time launching from the nest…so I have to make the most of these high school years and making sure they are ready for after high school (but I also don’t want to think too much about that either!)

I feel like I was all over the place with this topic….which is kind of what it’s like managing teen schedules!