15 Reasons Why Being a Parent to a Teenager is Actually Kind of Awesome

As a parent, each age and stage of your children's lives has its unique set of ups and downs. But no stage is dreaded like adolescence seems to be – at least based on pervasive stereotypes.

But it turns out that raising a teenager can actually be a pretty awesome experience. There are of course challenges (e.g. dealing with mood swings, power struggles, disordered habits, battles with smartphones), as with every age. But many parents find that the positives outweigh the negatives.

“I was really scared of adolescence, but so far it's my favorite stage,” reader Gwen S. wrote on Facebook.

Below, members of the HuffPost Facebook community share some of the reasons why parenting a teenager is actually a lot more fun and rewarding than many people think. These often overlooked joys will help you savor parts of the teen scene if you're in it — or they'll give you something to look forward to later.

“I recently dropped my son and his friends off for a day of mountain biking. I suddenly realized that I was really excited for them because they were going away for the day on their own. It wasn't the first time they had done it, but the first time I realized how great their independence and enthusiasm was. — Sally K.

“Sleep better, watch what I want on TV, be able to go out and do things because my daughter can stay home alone.” — Danielle J.

“Cooking! Whether it's feeding himself when I don't have time or energy, trying a new recipe he sees on TikTok, or wanting to make something 'gourmet'. Watch him exploring, being creative and even teaching myself new things is definitely a new experience —. Jocelyne R.

“When I can send it to the grocery store with a list?” WINNER!” — Tiffany G.

“I love the personality and sarcasm my teenager has developed. She’s so witty and funny and dark – I just love being around her. — Lisa N.

“Every time my daughter makes a joke that makes me laugh authentically, it’s a pretty surreal feeling.” — Alicia O.

“I love talking about politics with my son and learning about his and his friends' opinions and their differences. It’s great to see him educating himself about the world and social justice. — Niri K.

“Philosophical discussions about current generational differences, pronouns, gender, equality, etc. Hear the perspectives of a new generation and ask questions without public shame.” — Ruth H.

“My husband passed away five years ago, so this is particularly happy for me. » — Tiffany B.

“When you see your teenager taking responsibility or being kind and caring. A glimpse of the good human they are becoming. — Helene W.

“I love, I love, I love when my children tell me things that worry them, that worry them, or that excite them. It can be hard not to react or lecture, but it ultimately pays to just listen to how their minds think. I feel so much more fulfilled as a parent during these teenage/young adult years than when they were babies. — Alison M.

“My son always likes to sleep with me on Saturday mornings, talk about whatever is on his mind and show me cool things he has found or learned. I've learned so much from him and found ways to stay connected with him, even as he gets older and starts to branch out. I am grateful for these moments. — Ebonie H.

“I love listening to the music my daughter likes, going to concerts with her, and hearing her thoughts on the songs and artists she likes.” — Stephanie C. .

“The blaring music I grew up listening to with my son on the way to school. They were the same songs I listened to with my mother when she took me to school. I now feel the joy that my mother felt in these small moments. — André U.

“Having someone to do all the wonderfully fun geeky things with!” Renaissance Fair! Comic Con! Cosplay! » — Molly D.

“They introduce you to things in popular culture that you might not otherwise know about. It broadens your horizons and gives you new things to bond over and have in common. My daughters introduced me to Taylor Swift, Twenty One Pilots, “Hamilton,” John Mulaney and Iliza Schlesinger to start with. We eventually went to see them all live and we have wonderful memories of each one. — Tanya M.

“I love seeing them interact with their siblings in a more adult way, with less conflict and competition and more mutual support.” — Alison M.

“My son is 19, and one of the best things that ever happened to us was when we were driving home from his summer job as a music camp counselor. He told me how the way I had raised and treated him had taught him how to communicate and communicate. connect with your students. It was an incredible feeling to realize that everything I had poured into him, he was now able to pour into someone else. — Gwen S.

“Seeing the change from 'I have to do this' to 'I can do this.' Appreciating the experience is something I am only just beginning to appreciate. Whether it's sports, school activities, travel, etc. The mindset of “This is an opportunity, not a chore” is great. — Michelle W.

“Reliving my teenage years experiencing dating, falling in love and heartbreak through their stories and experiences.” — Melissa D.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.