Dear Teenage Girls,
I want to assure you that this isn’t going to be one of those typical letters you might expect from an adult. You know the ones I mean—those well-meaning notes where an older person tries to offer unsolicited advice about your fashion choices, social media habits, or dating etiquette. I completely understand how tiresome those can be.
You may not recall our brief encounter at the public swimming pool last week, but it left an impression on me. I was there, attempting to conquer my fears at the high dive, having struck a deal with my older son, Lucas. “If you jump off the high dive, Mom, I’ll do my best cannonball,” he proposed. I thought to myself, “How hard can it be?”
But as I climbed the steps and peered over the edge, I quickly realized the height of the dive was far more intimidating than I remembered from my teenage years. I stood behind you in line, watching as you and your friend took turns contemplating your jumps.
One of you remarked, “It always takes me a few tries before I actually jump.” I watched as you gingerly approached the end of the board, only to retreat a few times before finally gathering the courage to leap. It was a familiar scene—young children, filled with excitement, bravely diving in, while I hesitated on the board, feeling the pressure of my own fears.
I spent 20 long minutes observing you and your friends, offering each other encouragement as you faced the plunge. You assured me that it was fun, that I wouldn’t feel pain, and that it was perfectly normal to feel scared. “Just don’t look down,” one of you suggested, and another chimed in, “It’s kind of like flying!”
As you prepared to jump, I stepped on the board once again, only to hesitate. “Not today,” I told the younger kids waiting behind me. “Maybe next time.” But then one of you looked directly at me and said with a kind firmness, “You will regret it if you leave without jumping.”
Your words struck a chord. I knew you were right. When my turn came again, I took a deep breath, focused on the trees in the distance, and leaped. I heard cheers before I even hit the water.
“Good job!” you called out from above. I was grateful, and I wanted to express that to you, but by the time I looked for you again, you had vanished into the crowd of other teenagers, lost in laughter and conversation.
Reflecting on my experience, I realized that while adults often feel the need to guide and instruct young people, there is so much we can learn from you as well. You exemplify bravery, resilience, and the importance of taking risks. You remind us that fear is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to hold us back.
In today’s society, there is much discourse about young girls, often revolving around issues such as body image and social behavior. We, as parents, strive to instill qualities like confidence, kindness, and self-respect in you. However, we sometimes overlook the valuable lessons you impart to us. From you, we learn the essence of patience, the significance of second chances, and the importance of being gentle yet strong.
As we strive to set a good example, it’s essential to recognize that we are all journeying through life together. You are not just our children, but our partners in learning and growth. Continue to embrace new challenges and take those leaps—whether in life, love, or even at the diving board—because we are all growing alongside you.
For more insights into personal growth during these formative years, you may find informative content at this blog post, which touches on the importance of personal journeys. Additionally, for those interested in navigating the nuances of starting a family, Make A Mom serves as an authority on the topic. Lastly, I recommend exploring resources like CCRM IVF’s blog for valuable information on fertility and family planning.
In summary, thank you, teenage girls, for reminding us of the bravery that resides in taking risks and facing fears. Your courage inspires us to continue leaping into the unknown, and for that, we are grateful.