The Perfect Teen

Parents struggle, are confused, make large and small mistakes and still their teens can be “perfect.”  The perfect teenager is not mistake free. There are no truly perfect teens. Neither are there perfect parents. In fact teenagers are bruised and scarred just like the rest of us.  However, there is something different about “the perfect teen” than others.  They have navigated the adolescent years going from innocence to independence at the proper rate.  They entered high school fairly innocent and leave with independence – aware, confident, tested not broken, and ready to move forward.  These teens typically have parents equipped with wisdom and emotional strength as guides. 

We stress the phrase “proper rate.”  Teens who go to slow can’t function. They deal with stress, fear and anxiety in college and beyond.  They have been sheltered.  Teens who go too fast are broken and take that brokenness into their relationships, families and jobs.  They have been neglected. 

The perfect teen comes from imperfect parents.

Adolescence is not to be feared, but embraced. It is a battle. It is a battle in the best sense and parents need to be prepared to be on the front lines. We shouldn’t just “make it through” with our kids, but help give them an outstanding start as they move toward adulthood, from innocence to independence

The Perfect Teenager is a blog that seeks to shed light on the drive from innocence to independence.  It is not a how too.  Although from time to time practical advice is necessary.  The goal is to give parents a clear lens from which to view their parenting, their kids, the teenage world and the journey before them.  Good thinking helps promote wise actions and produces “the perfect teenager.”