Two weeks ago, I invited you to get out of the spotlight by removing your indulgent parenting desires. Read it here.
Last week, I invited you to make yourself obsolete. Read it here.
These two steps have one significant result – they get YOU out of the way. Out of your teen’s way.
And when you’re out of the way, you’re exactly where you need to be to raise a teen and raise a teen well.
Now, you may be confused, and it might seem that there’s no role left for you to play if you’ve been moved out of the way. But that’s simply just not true.
Not only do you, as your teen’s mother, have a role. You have a very VITAL role.
And when this role is played well, it makes raising a teen much, much easier.
So, what’s this critical role, you’re wondering?
Well, I’d love to tell you, but you’ll have to wonder about it a bit more. Cause I love a good object lesson that makes a point crystal clear — especially when that object lesson uses a highly anticipated televised football game to make its point. 😉
So, here’s your homework.
Watch the Super Bowl 🏈 (or if you’re not a watcher – imagine it in your mind).
Note the many, many roles—both big and small—being played during the game.
Compare and contrast the roles and their impact on your player. Yes, your teen’s role is that of a player on one of the teams. And they’re in the biggest of the BIG games. They’re moving toward the end zone. They want nothing more than to score and WIN.
What role must YOU play as they move down the field, inching towards their goal?
Is it the Cheerleader, Referee, or Teammate? Or could it be the Mascot, Coach, or Opponent? Maybe it’s the Half-Time Entertainer, Sportscaster, or Concession Stand Worker?
What role must you play and why? It’s up to you to figure it out! 🕵🏼♀️
We’ll discuss it in depth next week, so for now, enjoy your weekend and the big game. And if / when you think you know, I’d LOVE you to reply to this email and share your thoughts with me.
P.S. I’m being completely serious. There is NOT a better analogy for raising a teenager than a good ‘ole game of football. It’s helped all of my clients more fully understand their role in parenting and how to play it more effectively.
