Parenting through puberty is a wild ride, filled with eye rolls, slammed doors, and the occasional “You don’t understand me!” But fear not—you’re not alone on this journey. Let’s unpack what’s really happening in your teen’s brain, body, and emotions so you can handle the mood swings like a pro so parents can kelp kids through puberty. 5 key takeaways about hormonal changes in kids: Puberty Starts Early: Hormonal changes begin around ages 8-9, well before visible signs like growth spurts. The adrenal glands trigger early shifts in mood, skin, and body odor. Teen Brain Development: The prefrontal cortex (logic) matures later, while the amygdala (emotions) is in overdrive, leading to impulsive, emotional decisions. Hormonal & Emotional Changes: Mood swings, sleep disruptions, and social sensitivities peak due to surging hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Peer Influence vs. Parental Guidance: Teens prioritize friends for validation, independence, and identity-building, but parental support…
My yearly round-up of Mom Fails is a bit of a tradition. They were a mix of funny ones and real regrets/lessons learned in the early days. As my children get older, I find some of my “Mom Fails” are more like “Mom Trolls.” Those of you who have teenagers can surely appreciate and relate to how easy and enjoyable it is to see them cringe. This year it is a mix of “whoopsies” and cringe-worthy moments. Accidentally letting the 12-year-old watch Sex Education. If you have not seen this series yet, it’s pretty racy at times. I thought I’d go to sleep watching the last few episodes of the first season. I promptly fell asleep, to which my friends commented, “only Julie could fall asleep during Sex Education!” Regardless, once I dozed off, 12-year-old Fin crawled into bed with me and proceeded to watch the last three episodes. When…