My role is changing now that my kids are teens, and stepping back isn't always easy
Now that my two sons are teenagers, my role as a parent has changed. I'm learning to let them figure things out themselves, and it's not always easy.
The author's relationship with her teenage sons has evolved as they grow older. Courtesy of Kristina Wright Two sons now occupy her parenting role. She does less for them, allowing them to learn from their mistakes. A backpack left by the back door symbolizes the shift in their relationship. She used to handle backpack contents, but now she watches them figure things out.
Parenting young children involved constant intervention, like packing lunches and checking homework. Now, she focuses on emotional support as they learn to do things independently. Doing less isn't always easy; it feels like not fulfilling her parental duties. The backpack represents the larger shift in their relationship. She learns to accept discomfort when she doesn't intervene.
Boundaries, guidance, and a safe place to land remain essential. She reminds them they are loved and supported. Sometimes, she listens as they discuss their choices. The backpack remains untouched for over two months, symbolizing the lesson that applies to both of them.
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