My first born turns 13 years old today! This is an amazing milestone in both of our lives and it certainly doesn’t feel like it’s been that long since the first day I laid eyes on him. He’s at the stage in life where he’s not a little kid but he’s not quite a grown up. He definitely has the appetite of an NFL linebacker but he still gives me a hug before bed.
“Hey, mom!”
“What?”
“I’m like, never full.”
I knowwwwwww…. haha!
For the sake of his own privacy, I’m choosing one photo to share (with his permission – I’m not that mom!).
I think this list could go on forever, but for now, here’s what I want him to know:
13 Things I Want My Teenage Son to Know On His 13th Birthday
1. I love you unconditionally and I always will. No matter what you do, no matter what mistakes you make in life, I love you and I will always be here for you.
2. You will make mistakes in life. You can’t expect to sail through life without making mistakes. Some will be worse than others. Life goes on and as long as you learn from the mistakes you make, that’s all I can hope for.
3. Respect females. Treat all females you meet with respect but don’t make them a priority. They have a lot to learn and so do you. In the meantime, be respectful to them.
4. Respect authority. This includes the police, your future bosses, your elders and your parents.
5. It’s okay to be different. Blending in is boring.
6. Do not photograph your private parts. Ever. Despite your attitude or feelings at the time, you just never know where those photos will end up.
7. Social media is not real life. It’s more like the highlight reel of people’s lives. People choose what they want you to see and generally, that’s going to be everything in their life that’s great. Everybody has their struggles and imperfections whether they choose to share them or not. The truth of our lives runs much deeper than a photo.
8. I’m here to talk whenever you need me. If you’re too embarrassed to talk to me you can always write a letter. I don’t want you to ever feel too scared or worried to talk to me. I’m here to help and guide you!
9. No, I don’t always know what I’m doing. Even though I always try to do the right thing, I sometimes fall short. Parents make mistakes but I promise you I am doing my best.
10. Be a good friend. Life is a little easier to handle with good friends by your side. Who you spend your time with says a lot about you so choose friends wisely. Being a good friend is even more important.
11. Have fun. Being a teenager is hard. Try to keep things light and fun during this exciting and sometimes awkward time in your life. These are the last years before you get to be a responsible adult.
12. Don’t be ashamed of feeling down or sad. It happens to all of us. Life really is a rollercoaster. We’ve all had to deal with situations in life that were challenging, painful and hurtful. When you’re feeling down, talk it out with someone you trust and keep your head up. And workout!
13. “Be humble. Be Hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Bonus Section:
- It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long since I was a teenager. Chances are if you think of something and you think you’re being sneaky, I have too and I know what you’re up to!
And a special note/thank you:
Dear B,
I’m so proud to be your mom. You were my first reason for always wanting to improve myself. I was barely 20 when I had you and I’m so proud of the young man you’ve become. Raising you makes me strive to be a better person, a better wife and a better mom. We only stop growing if we choose to. I hope you always choose to keep growing and to keep doing better. I’m so thankful to have an amazing son like you who makes me laugh daily and is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. (As of March 2019, you’ve lettered in academics!) You are so intelligent and I hope that you continue to realize how important your education is and to always do your best in school and in everything you do. You have amazing potential to be successful in whatever you choose to do in your life. As your mom, I’ll always have your back.
I love you,
Mom.
Dede Marshall says
Thank you for sharing this. My son will turn 13 tomorrow. This was just what I needed to read.