15 Reasons Why Being A Parent Of Teens Is Amazing

There's a common misconception that aside from "the terrible twos," raising teenagers are the worst. That's a pretty unfair statement, because teenagers offer a lot more joy than parents may realize. As a parent, there is much to embrace about their teenage years. 

1. They Make You Laugh

Let's start with the fact that teenagers are hilarious. Whether they mean to be or not, you will often find yourself crying tears of laughter because of the funny things they say or do.  The best part is, they love to make you laugh. What could be better than seeing them light up because they know they made you smile?

2. They're Fun To Play With

Playing a game with your teenager is always an event. They have the energy to get really competitive, they're passionate about winning, and they're always ready and willing to call you out on pretty much everything. Although it can be a little bit of a challenge at first, it turns out to be one of the best memories you have together.

3. They're Smart. Really Smart.

They set-up your email, your Facebook page,  and your iCloud account. They can show you how to hack the settings in your phone to do all kindsof things of which you still have no idea what they are! But, they're always there to show you something cool. Not a day goes by that you're not impressed by the incredible talent and skills they possess so early in life. 

4. It's Always Fun to Tease Them

Teenagers are convinced that only they know what's cool - that's Teen 101! With every eye roll and cold shoulder shrug, you take pleasure in watching them squirm when it's your turn to embarrass them. It's not torture, it's love. Sometimes the best memories we have with our teens sprout from the moment you made them blush.

5. They're Very Passionate

Teens are concerned about lots of things: their friendships, their hobbies, their talents, and their social life in general. Though they're opinionated, once you sit down with them to listen to what's on their minds, you will find yourself surprised. They have colorful thoughts that have so much heart attached. They will help you to look at things in a way you hadn't thought you could. 

6. They're Great At Being Older Siblings
If your teen is one of your oldest, you tend to notice how their actions change when it comes to their brothers or sisters. They may act like they're "too cool" to hang out, but you know that when no one else is around, they're an amazing role model. Plus, teens are very overprotective of their younger siblings. They're always keeping an eye on them. 

7. They Really Are Listening To You
It's true that sometimes your teen has selective hearing. Somehow they forgot that you asked them to clean their room (four times). But when it comes to the bigger things in life, they really are listening. The funny thing is that you worry that your advice went in one ear and out the other, but you'd be surprised to listen in on their conversations with their friends (not that you should). They’re sneaking in some of the advice they heard from you. Your words of wisdom did not go unnoticed.

8. The Gossip Is Great
Did you hear about what’s-her-name? No, not that one, the other one. Didn’t you see that Snapchat about that one guy? Have you heard who the latest school celebrity couple is? This is the kind of dish you get from your teens - better than any soap opera. You live for those afternoons when they come home from school so you can chat about all of the daily gossip.

9. They Have the Whole World in Front of Them
Although they think that they know everything, they definitely haven’t seen everything. Teenagers are eager to feel the winds of adventure. It’s such a rewarding feeling to experience things that are new with your teenager: amusement parks, museums, or even other countries. To create these memories are priceless.

10. You Learn All Kinds of Slang

Colloquialism moves fast - very fast. Sometimes you’ll be halfway through listening to a story that your teen is telling you when you realize that you didn’t understand anything they said! Slang is very progressive, and the only way you can keep on top of your game is to ask your teen to translate for you. Most of the time, the slang is just too funny to remember.

11. Crushes, Puppy Love, and Breakups, Oh My!
You have to admit that watching teenagers flirt with other teenagers is better than anything television could create. It’s awkward, but it’s adorable. And although you give them a hard time about it, the truth is that it’s incredible to watch them grow up and go out on dates. Even when the dates go bad or the breakup is too painful, you watch them learn how to put themselves back together again.

12. "Girl Talk"
For all of you moms with teenage daughters, you know that “girl talk” is one of the most fun things to do! Conversation topics range anywhere from boys to hair to  makeup to the meaning of life itself. The best part of girl talk is that it can happen over anything: watching a movie, doing your nails, or making dinner. Before you know it, it’s 2am and you and your teenage daughter had a blast talking it up.

13. They're Also Teaching You 

Beyond all of their frustrating tendencies, teenagers are actually quite brilliant. They have such raw emotions, which in hand gives them the availability to show you “how to feel again.” We get so caught up in our daily errands that we don’t remember to stop and listen to the way we feel. Because your teen is in-tune with picking up on emotions, they end up teaching you how to experience life without all of the material attachments. It’s really beautiful.

14. They Have So Much Joy
Sure, you get the occasional mood swing, but despite that, teenagers are full of life. They’re always cracking jokes, playing pranks on you, doing challenges with their friends, and testing the limits. They’re just having fun, and it’s always a blast to watch them smile with happiness for every “cool” thing that happens to them. That’s why they’re great for taking to concerts!

15. You Watch Them Grow

On the less-favorable days of raising a teenager, you often stop to think to yourself: are they ever going to “get it?” The answer is yes, they will. They’ll grow light years in personal strength and intelligence and one day you’ll wake up and look at them in awe. They’re not a baby anymore, and they’re definitely not going to be a teenager forever. They’re growing more into the beautiful person that they have always been.