Dear readers,

As someone who’s been around children of all ages—whether parenting, mentoring, teaching, or just being the “go-to” person in the family—I’ve come to believe that one of the most powerful gifts we can give our kids isn’t found in a textbook or a toy aisle. It’s emotional intelligence.

And before you roll your eyes at the phrase (because yes, it’s everywhere), I want to pause and break it down in a way that makes it less clinical and more real life. Emotional intelligence is simply the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—our own and others’. It’s being aware of how we feel, why we feel that way, and knowing how to navigate those emotions in a healthy way. And let me tell you:

Let me be honest—raising teens is not for the faint of heart.

Sometimes I look at my kids and think, “How are you this strong already?” Other times I think, “Whew… we’re all just out here surviving.” I didn’t grow up in the world they’re growing up in. Social media wasn’t a thing. Phones didn’t have cameras. The pressure to perform, present, and be “perfect” wasn’t right there in your hand 24/7.

But I do remember what it felt like to be unsure, overwhelmed, and honestly… to want to give up sometimes. I think that’s where resilience comes in—not just for them, but for us too.

It’s wild how parenting makes you reflect on your own growth. I didn’t always have the words for what I was learning back then,

Growing Pains: Parenting a Teen While They Outgrow You

Parenting a teenager is like watching a beautiful flower bloom-exciting, awe-inspiring, and bittersweet. My daughter is growing into an independent, strong young woman, and I couldn’t be prouder. But if I’m honest, that same independence sometimes leaves me feeling… alone.

This is my first time being a parent to a 16-year-old, just as it’s her first time being 16. We’re both figuring things out as we go, making mistakes, learning, and trying again. It’s messy. It’s emotional. And some days, it feels like we’re speaking entirely different languages.

But in the chaos of teenage emotions, occasional outbursts, and moments where I feel