Hey mama,
I see you.
I see you standing in the kitchen, wondering if you’re doing this teen parenting thing right. You miss the little hand that used to reach for yours without thinking, and now you’re lucky if you get a quick side-hug. I get it. Raising teens is beautiful, messy, and confusing — all at the same time.
They don’t say much these days, do they? But behind the eye rolls, closed doors, and one-word answers, there’s so much your teen wants to hear from you… even if they don’t know how to ask.
So today, from one mom to another, here are a few things your teen needs to hear — and I hope you whisper (or shout!) them as often as you can.
💛 1. “I’m proud of you.”
Not just when they ace a test or win an award. But when they keep going after a bad day. When they get out of bed even when life feels heavy. When they show kindness without being asked. Teens are learning how to be in this big world — and they need to know you see them.
🤍 2. “It’s okay to make mistakes.”
They’re going to mess up. It’s part of growing. Let them know that home is a safe place to fall apart and start again. Your grace teaches them self-compassion in ways lectures never could.
🌧️ 3. “You don’t have to have it all figured out.”
In a world pushing “goals” and “success” at every turn, your teen needs to hear that it’s okay not to know who they are yet. Let them grow at their own pace — and remind them that you’re walking beside them, not behind them with a stopwatch.
💬 4. “I’m listening.”
Sometimes they don’t want advice — just ears that don’t interrupt. Let them rant, cry, dream, or ramble. You don’t need to fix everything. Just being a steady, quiet presence is more powerful than you think.
🛑 5. “You can say no. You can speak up. You matter.”
Teach them that boundaries are brave. That their voice counts. That being true to themselves is more important than fitting in. In a world that demands conformity, your words can give them the courage to be authentic.
🫶 6. “There’s nothing you could do that would make me stop loving you.”
Let this one sink in deep for them. Say it on the hard days. Say it when they make choices that scare you. Say it when they push you away. Your unconditional love is their anchor — even when the waves are wild.
Wrapping It Up
I know it can feel like we’re talking to a wall sometimes. But trust me, mama — your words are sinking in, even when they don’t show it. Your teen may not ask to hear these things, but they need them. More than you know.
So keep showing up. Keep loving hard. Keep being their safe place — even if they don’t always say thank you.
You’re doing better than you think. 💕
With you always,
A fellow tired but hopeful mom
Freebie Just for You, Mama!
Parenting teens is no small feat — and sometimes we need a little reminder of the love and wisdom we already carry.
I’ve created a FREE printable set of “Words Your Teen Needs to Hear” affirmation cards — gentle, powerful messages you can tuck into their lunch, tape to their mirror, or just keep for yourself as a reminder of what truly matters.
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