No one really prepares you for this part of motherhood.
You go from kissing scraped knees and tucking them in at night… to standing outside a closed bedroom door, wondering how to reach the child who once clung to your leg just to be near you. One day they need you for everything, and the next, they’re pushing you away-figuring out who they are, testing limits, challenging everything (including you).
And you love them fiercely. But let’s be honest: being a mom of a teenager is hard.
The Push and Pull
Teenagers are caught in between two worlds- no longer children, not quite adults. They crave independence but still need your support. They want space but don’t always know how to handle it. One moment they’re vulnerable, the next they’re distant. It’s a constant push and pull, and navigating it can feel like walking a tightrope between holding on and letting go.
As a mom, it’s hard not to take it personally. The eye rolls. The silence. The sudden mood shifts. You start to question yourself: Am I doing enough? Too much? Not the right things? It’s exhausting and sometimes, heartbreaking.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or even a little defeated-you’re not alone. So many moms are quietly carrying the emotional weight of parenting teens, wondering if they’re the only ones struggling. The truth is, this stage of motherhood is rarely talked about in depth, and yet it’s one of the most emotionally complex.
There’s no manual for parenting a teenager-just your instincts, your values, and your willingness to keep showing up even when they say they don’t need you.
Small Things Matter
Even if they don’t say it, your presence still matters. The late-night check-ins. The packed lunches. The listening ear-even when all you get is a shrug. You are their safety net. Their quiet anchor. And while they may not always express it, they notice your love. They feel it.
You’re helping them become who they’re meant to be. And that no small thing.
Give Yourself Grace
You won’t get everything right. You’ll say the wrong thing, lose your temper, worry too much. But motherhood- especially during the teen years- is not about perfection. It’s about staying connected, even when it’s hard. It’s about setting boundaries, holding space, and continuing to love through all the chaos.
And don’t forget to take care of you, too. You are still a person with needs, dreams, and emotions. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your well-being matters just as much as theirs.
A Gentle Reminder
This phase won’t last forever. One day, they’ll come back around-more grounded, more open, more grateful than you ever imagined. But for now, keep going. Keep loving. Keep trying. You’re doing better then you think.
Because being a mom to a teenager is hard-but it’s also shaping both of you into stronger, deeper, wiser versions of yourselves.
And that’s something worth holding on to.
