Comments on: Troubled Teens Make Awesome Adults : Hope for Struggling Parents

By: Nancy

Nancy — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 01:02:11 +0000

In reply to Lynn.

You are so welcome Lynn. I feel your pain. I’m glad this helped to give you some hope. I’ve seen other rebellious kids turn out to be great adults. My husband had some wonderful insight when helping a friend years back who was having a struggle with her own daughter. He told her “Sometimes our kids have to find out who they are “not” before they figure out who they “are”.

Wishing you and your son a wonderful bright future!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:13:52 +0000

Thank you for posting this. You have given me hope. It’s so hard when you are in the thick of it with a rebellious teen. It’s so hard when they make mistakes that could impact the rest of their lives. My teen has so much potential but has made some very impulsive choices that have been very costly. I keep praying that we will get through this. I find myself consumed with worry most days. He refuses to listen to advice, and basically wants nothing to do with us. His time at home (which is as little as possible) is spent in his bedroom. This has been such a hard few years. Your article is just what I needed.

By: Nithya Sundararajan

Nithya Sundararajan — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:03:42 +0000

Thanks so much for this post. You have no idea how many times in a given week that I read this post to give myself hope and courage when dealing with my teenage son.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sun, 22 May 2016 18:00:40 +0000

In reply to Mary-the boondocks blog. I'll check it out Mary! Ü

By: Mary-the boondocks blog

Mary-the boondocks blog — Sun, 22 May 2016 17:49:25 +0000

Great post and so, so true. We have to give them unconditional love no matter what. It is this and this alone that has given me hope to move forward in the past. I’ve got two young men and two teen girls so I am not done yet. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Nancy, I am hosting a new link party and I would be honored if you joined us. It is called Sweet inspiration and it runs Friday till Tuesday.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Mon, 16 May 2016 16:16:58 +0000

In reply to Hannah @Sunshine and Spoons. What a wonderful story. That's all most parents need... is a little hope to help them through those times. Most kids turn out great and with better perspective than many. Thanks for sharing Hannah. Ü

By: Hannah @Sunshine and Spoons

Hannah @Sunshine and Spoons — Mon, 16 May 2016 16:12:13 +0000

This is so true. My brother was *this close* to juvenile detention as a teenager, but now he’s a married father of 4 and one of the best dads I’ve ever seen. He’s also an incredibly mature, responsible, adult who stands strong for his beliefs. My mom told me that one time, when he was at his worst, she was praying for my brother, thinking that he was doomed. In the middle of her prayer, God told her that he would turn out just fine. That was what got her through the rest of his teen years.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Mon, 16 May 2016 12:54:03 +0000

In reply to Carol, The Red Painted Cottage. It's stories like yours Carol that give other parents hope. Its so hard to see a way out when you're in the middle of it and pull of fear. But most of them do come out and are better for it. Especially when they have parents who love and support them no matter what, as you did. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Ü

By: Carol, The Red Painted Cottage

Carol, The Red Painted Cottage — Mon, 16 May 2016 12:27:47 +0000

Our youngest son produced many grey hairs for my husband and I. He never ran away or was into drugs (that we know of), but all of a sudden we were the “parents from Hell”, he dropped out of all sports in HS, wanted to move out of the house before he graduated (which we did NOT allow), and on and on it went. After he graduated, he moved out within a week and over the next few years he grew up real fast! He’s married, has one son and another on the way and he’s a fabulous “dad”. We never gave up on him and never brought up things he did wrong, while he was going through this. This is a wonderful post for all parents going through these years with their teenagers!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 13 May 2016 11:48:14 +0000

In reply to Lucy. I very much admire those like you, who despite terrible experiences as children, overcome them. You express it very eloquently. Its always a joy to hear of those who overcome and turn things around. Be well!

By: Lucy

Lucy — Fri, 13 May 2016 11:05:32 +0000

In reply to Nancy.

Thank you Nancy for acknowledging my post, it means a lot.
I am lucky in that although I received no love from the BP’s unconditional or otherwise. I was able to gather enough crumbs other places that I grew up able to express love. My late husband assured me that I was able to love unconditionally and now I’m supporting my widowed BIL on his journey through dementia.
No matter how hard life is, with a tiny flame of hope it can be turned around and be a blazing beacon of good.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:39:15 +0000

In reply to Lucy. We don't always get the parents we need, do we... I'm so sorry that you weren't treated with the unconditional love that you, and every child, deserves. I wish you nothing but a future of peace and joy. Thank you for stopping by Lucy.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:09:35 +0000

I had biological parents who tortured me for the first 16 yrs of my life so
it’s really good for me to read of your experiences and of how you love
Jenny and are committed to her no matter what she puts you through.
I’m so glad that you have such a strong bond now and I hope Jennie’s
own children are fortunate enough not to experience agonising teenage years.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:32:06 +0000

In reply to Monique Dean. Thank you so much Monique for the kind words. It can be pretty scary when you're in the middle of it. They are starting younger and younger I fear, mostly a society thing. Being calm and dedicated with go far. I wish you and your daughter nothing but the utmost best on this journey!

By: Monique Dean

Monique Dean — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:23:51 +0000

Wow, thank you for such an honest and insightful post! A lot of parents are afraid to admit that their child/teenager is troubled, and because of their denial, the poor behavior gets accepted, rather than corrected. We are going through something similar with our 9 year old daughter, and although she’s limited right now, she’s amazed us at the things she’s attempted and has gotten away with in the past. Your tips and insight are very much appreciated as we continue to help our daughter get and stay on the right track!

By: Jennifer Dodrill @ All-In-One-Mom

Jennifer Dodrill @ All-In-One-Mom — Thu, 12 May 2016 13:28:16 +0000

Such hope and encouragement! Our oldest son was the one that caused the most issues and it’s so hard! But now we have a good relationship, thank God! And he’s safe and happy. Makes this mom’s heart so glad!