If you're a parent, and you've survived raising teenagers, I need your advice. How do you go from being Super Dad and Mom to old, out of fashion intruders??
I know I'm fighting the laws of the universe, but is there any chance that our son will think I'm as cool when he's sixteen, as he hopefully does when he's four?? And more importantly, do I even WANT to be a "cool dad"??
I remember being a teenager myself, and if you had "cool parents" it meant you had parents that let you do whatever the hell you wanted to do. Many of these same kids became addicted to drugs, struggled to graduate even the simplest of classes, and are still struggling to find their place many years later.
One of my favorite sayings is, "Learn to give your kids roots and wings, instead of loot and things". Roots to keep them grounded and humble, and wings that still lets them know they can be whatever and whoever they want. In a world where kids are being taught to take, take, take in exchange for very little - I'd rather be firm and lame while having their respect, than spoil them, stunt their growth yet seem cool. I just have to accept the fact that they'll hate us sometimes, but will still love us no matter what.
I'm never going to be that dad who smokes pot with his son (which happens more than you think). Or rides around with him on my Harley. I don't want to go to a concert with him, or play beer pong together. I'll probably hate his music, his choice of clothing, his hair style. And I'm sure the feeling will be mutual.
Sure, I'm not always going to seem like Superman to him. But maybe when he's older he'll still appreciate the things that make me and mom cool. Our uniqueness, independence, work ethic, style, love of food, travel and music. If you think about it, how could he NOT think his dad is dope, and his mom is da bomb.......crap......I'm screwed.
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