Parents… your teen years are tough trying to manage your relationship with them. It can become very strained during those years. Many nights may end in a screaming match. Us teenagers want our freedom and our parents aren’t quite ready to give it up just yet. Getting on the same page with them is essential. But as we grow older, we seem to figure it out. A good way to do so is by just spending time with them. At the end of the day that’s all they really want, and you will enjoy it too. We realize what is most important in life, and that comes with experience.
When your parents are divorced, that quality family time is no longer a thing. You have to put in the extra effort to make things happen when it comes to spending time with family. Your parents will appreciate any time they can have with you, especially as you get older. Any time is a good time.
Recently I took a road trip with my dad from New York to the University of Notre Dame for a football game. My dad has been a lifetime fan. He has always wanted to take me, so I figured why not make his wish come true. The 10 hour car ride up the thruway really brought us together. We talked about things that we normally wouldn’t. We learned more about each other’s personalities, viewpoints, and day to day life things.
In those three days we spent together, we made memories that will last a lifetime. Maybe it will become a tradition, maybe it won’t. But one thing’s for sure neither one of us will ever forget that weekend.
Every August the week before school starts my mom, brother and I take a trip up to Saratoga Springs, New York. We spend the day there, ride the famous Congress Park carousel, and just enjoy one of the last days the three of us are all together before the year ends.
Sure, maybe the carousel ride last’s not even two minutes and isn’t the most thrilling ride, but that’s not the point. The memories and the love in my family felt that day, and every other day is represented in that carousel. I cherish the memories of these days over the years so much, and my brother and mom do as well.
I know too many people who have lost parents so young and it is horrible. One of my closest friends lost her father to cancer this past summer and my heart breaks for her and her family each and every day. Spend time with your parents while you can, you will regret it if you don’t. There is too much craziness in this world to leave it with regrets. Go home for the weekend, missing two nights of partying once a semester won’t kill you. But, it will make your parents entire month, even if they only get to see you for a few hours.
Don’t go days or weeks without talking to them. They only worry because they love you so much. Your mom may bombard you with texts but just send her a quick one letting her know the rundown of your day so she can be at peace with hers.
I love my parents so much and I could not imagine them not being in my life, so I put the extra effort in to make sure that day doesn’t come. Call your mom and tell her you love her, text your dad and let him know something you learned in class today. Anything to keep them in the loop of your life lets them know you are thinking of them.
We couldn’t have made it this far in life without them. So, spend time with them while you can, they deserve it.