We had a nice family gathering over the July 4th holiday. My stepmom chose that time to honor the four girls in our family who turn sixteen this year. She asked all the adults to write a memory of their teen years and any thoughts they’d like to offer these young people. She took the writings, added photos, and created beautiful scrapbooks for the girls.
Contrary to what we were afraid of, the girls really appreciated the books. Sometimes we think teens are not interested in what their parents and grandparents have to say, but you never know. The teen years are notoriously difficult, and it can help for youngsters to see that their parents really do know a little about what they are dealing with. Times change, but some things don’t change that much! It can also be really helpful to hear advice from other adults in the family (anyone besides a parent), and to know that they also love and support them. Yes, it helps to have a village to raise a child.
moonbridgebooks 