Life of Teenagers

Amber & Ryan Sheckler

One thing I have learned in raising teenagers is most of their 4 years of high school is about how far away they can separate themselves from the identity of mom and dad, and create their own identity. It is normal for a separation to begin between teenager and parents. I learned that I need to give my teenager their space, but try to be intentional on finding out what it is they like and join them. A teenager between the age of 14-18 doesn't usually think what their parents like is so cool anymore, like their music, verbage, tv shows, etc. So when my son was at this stage, we both loved music, so I tried to get to know about the music he was into. He followed a group called Pillar from middle school and was a true fan.

My daughter has come to that time in her life where she is distancing her self, so it was time to be intentional about what we share in common or what is she into that I can learn to love. Besides the normal girl stuff like shopping, getting your nails or hair done, I realized she likes to watch The Hills and Life of Ryan on TV Monday nights. This is our time to hang out, we enjoy watching the show together and discussing the plots and characters. When my son was into his bands, we would accompany him to some of their concerts, even hooking up with tours when we were on our vacations (Ohio and New York). Well, the past two days, I spent with my daughter hanging out at the AST Dew Tour watching Ryan Sheckler skate. As a 16 year old, she thinks he is cute, but in no way wants to be known as an obsessive fan. While we were at the venue watching the events a couple times he came up close and all the girls would go crazy. I was like Amber, go over and snap his pic, she was like, no way I am not that obsessive. We had fun hanging out together and after a long day in the heat and then rain, Ryan's skate heat was postponed, so we decided to leave. On our way out of the event, guess who we ran into leaving also, yep, Ryan. He was with his family and I am sure ready to go to his hotel and rest. But he was very kind to stop and take pictures with Amber. She did not want to even ask for a photo. I asked her, can I ask him, you may never get this chance again. Thanks Ryan for obliging, you really are a class act. Amber and I went to dinner and reminised over our day. She was joking about taking the photo being priceless. But honestly, making memories with my teenager, {who prefers to spend more time with her friends and find her place in this world, away from mom or dad}, that is truly priceless.