Not the tough love we're familiar with, but I've been introduced to another form of TOUGH LOVE designed especially for me in dealing with my teen.
- This tough love is full of mercy when Firstborn makes a mistake.
- This tough love is full of compassion when Firstborn KNOWS he has made wrong choices.
- This tough love reminds me the part of his brain that recognizes consequences hasn't fully developed yet - Oh God, please help me!
- This tough love recognizes his right of passage into his teen years - he has to go through this!
- This tough love reminds me my child is not, has not been, and will never be perfect - really?
- This tough love tells me he wants to hang with the crowd and be popular when I tell him to dare to be different - Ha!
- This tough love helps me to bend a little and be flexible - I'm too strict, stern, and straight-laced
- This tough love reminds me that in Firstborn's eyes, I'm OLD and haven't a clue of what's going on in his world - Well, I don't!
- This tough love reminds me not to become shocked, angry, tearful, or hurt by Firstborn's normal adolescent behavior - I'll just wear a bag over my head
- This tough love pops me in the head and says..."Get a grip, Mama! You've got an eleven year old coming up behind Firstborn, so get ready for the ride!"
Mothers of younger children...take heed!
