How to Survive the Teenage Years

I am raising another teenage daughter. Need I go on? Raising teenagers can be very stressful. As they try to figure out who they are and what they want out of this life they take you with them on a roller-coaster ride of emotions.

My first experience with raising a teenager started 10 years ago with my oldest daughter and trust me it was an experience. I wasn’t prepared for her sudden urgent need for independence. Right before my eyes she transformed from a child who needed me for everything to a teenager who claimed that she knew it all. I wanted my little girl back but she had turned into this person that I didn’t recognize.  Years later I realized it was just one of the stages of her life that she had to go through on her journey to become the woman that she is meant to be.

So now that my youngest is a teenager I am a little more prepared. Although I may not have it all figured out I learned a few things to help me survive the teenage years this time around.

Instead of fighting against the need for independence, recognize it as a sign of maturity.  It is the natural progression of life and although it may be hard to think that she may not need me as much as she used to I know that I am raising an independent thinker.

Not all rules are negotiable but there may be room for compromise.

Gone are the days of “Because I said so!” Sometimes it is  necessary to explain our reasons for certain rules we may have.  This allows her to understand why we set them. However, we understand that as she gets older some of the rules we set may have to be amended to allow her room to grow into a responsible young person.

Listen a lot!! Sometimes she has a lot to say and sometimes not so much but nevertheless I stop whatever I am doing to just listen.  There are times where she just needs to vent and does not need or want my advice and I have learned to recognize this.

Teenage stress is real! Teenagers have a lot going on and although some of the things they worry or stress about may seem trivial to us adults we must remember that these things are huge in their world. Never dismiss their feelings because they are real. The best thing we can do is to give them the support and encouragement they need, remind them how incredibly strong they are and to let them know that they are loved.

She’s perfectly imperfect. It is okay to place her on a pedestal because she deserves to be cherished. However, we must allow her to fall off every now and then because although she may be perfect in our eyes her imperfections make up the incredible person she is. 

Dove® Winter Care Body Wash Review

Did you know that your skin loses 25% of it's ability to hold moisture in the winter? Last week in some areas of the tri-state the temperatures reached as low as 10 degrees! Seriously, it was brutal... especially on my skin.  I am constantly on the hunt to find a mositurizer to help reverse the dry effects of winter on my skin.  So when I got the opportunity to review the new Dove® Winter Care Body Wash with NutriumMoisture I was anxious to give it a try and was not disappointed!  Not only does this body wash lather better than most that I have used in the past it also smells terrific and helps to replenish the nutrients that can be stripped in this cold weather!

So even though today's temperature in some parts of the tri-state area reached 60 degrees!! (this weather is crazy!) we all know that winter is far from over and Dove® Winter Care Body Wash with NutriumMoisture is on shelves through March.

I was provided with Dove® body wash and information about the products by Rocket XL. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Care and Keep of Me

Recently, I joined the Healthy Lifestyle Program at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa and it is one of the best things I ever did for myself.

The Healthy Lifestyle Program gives its members a 50 minute massage or facial once a month at a discounted price. Going to the spa is the way I rejuvenate myself whenever life's everyday stresses are getting the best of me. As soon as I walk into a spa I am somehow able to forget about my never ending to-do list and focus just on me....relaxing. I've always treasured my spas days and now I can look forward to recharging myself with a massage or facial every month thanks to the Healthy Lifestyle Program.  

Let's face it our calendars are mostly filled with things that have nothing directly to do with the care and keep of us  and that is why it is so important that the things that keeps us happy and healthy are made a priority!

Even if you are not a member of a Spa there are so many other things you can put on your calendar to make sure that your health and happiness are a priority. Start by making a list of the things that make you happy, find a way to put them on your calendar and make sure that you do them as often as you can!

I was not compensated in any way by Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa for this post. I just want to share a great find with all of you! 

Wordless Wednesday - Longing for Summer

The Next Chapter

"We all have blank pages to fill with spectacular things!" This was the new year's message that my girlfriend sent me after the ball dropped. What powerful, truthful words! We should all approach each new year as the next chapter in our lives ready to be filled with spectacular and exciting experiences!

As I reflect over the past year I know I filled my pages with many first time experiences. I stepped out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. In 2012, I was faced with situations and decisions which tested my limits and capabilities....and I passed them all!

I am expecting the blank pages in my 2013 chapter to be filled with many spectcular things! It will be epic!! How will you fill your blank pages???

Happy New Year Friends!!

Nikki