Ah, the awkward phase—my personal rite of passage was nothing short of a comedic tragedy. Every time I stumble across old photos from my 13-year-old self, I cringe so hard that it’s practically a workout. Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic, but still pretty close.
Picture this: frizzy perms, thick glasses, and a wardrobe better suited for a middle-aged accountant. Not much has changed since then, and I still feel the pangs of those delightful teenage years. I can vividly recall the heartache of having crushes on boys who wouldn’t have given me a second glance, the sting of being on the outside of the “in” crowd, and the weight of a lunch tray as I navigated the perilous waters of a crowded cafeteria.
The memories of frizzy hair and acne are as vivid as they are painful. It was, without a doubt, a tough time. BUT here’s the twist: that awkward phase, while excruciating, toughened me up. It was a period of discomfort, but it forced me to dig deep and uncover the strengths that I lean on today when life gets tricky. Let’s face it: those who’ve never faced adversity often find it hard to cope with life’s curveballs later on.
During that period, I learned empathy because I knew what it felt like to struggle. I honed my sense of humor—because let’s be real, laughter beats tears any day. I sharpened my instincts and developed a knack for spotting nonsense from a mile away. Plus, I discovered skills that had nothing to do with my looks—thankfully!
Despite the chaos of those years, I won’t shield my kids from their own awkward phase. In fact, I’m all for it! I’m hoping it’s legendary. I want them to discover their resilience. As Winston Churchill wisely said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Eventually, I made it out the other side and stumbled upon key essentials like tweezers and contact lenses!
Fast forward to today: I have a daughter, Lily, who possesses a cherubic beauty that turns heads wherever she goes. Just the other day, we strolled through the gym during a water aerobics class, and the room fell silent. Seriously, the instructor stopped mid-sentence, captivated by my daughter’s adorable Hello Kitty swimsuit and baseball cap.
I can’t fault them for their admiration; she truly is a little stunner. The instructor later told me, “Your daughter is just so beautiful, I lost my train of thought!” My response? “Thanks!” as we continued making our way.
Lily, however, is blissfully unaware of her beauty. She’s a joyful, charming child, full of intelligence and charisma. She can recite her colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, but the world only seems interested in her looks. “But she’s also smart!” I insist. “And funny!” Yet, it often falls on deaf ears, as everyone is too busy mesmerized by her big eyes and adorable dimples. I get it; I do the same!
But I want all three of my kids to develop strong character. They need to know they offer the world so much more than just their appearances. I want them to be secure in the knowledge that surviving the trials of teenage awkwardness—like breakouts, name-calling, and, oh, the dreaded body odor—will equip them to handle rejection and challenges as adults.
I want them to be kind, having tasted the bitterness of cruelty themselves. I want them to experience the highs of life, and then learn how to cope when everything comes crashing down in class. The awkward phase is where valuable life lessons are thrown at you from all angles. It may be painful, but it’s worth it in the end. Bring on the headgear!
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Summary
The awkward phase is a pivotal moment in life that, while painful, builds character and resilience. It teaches empathy, humor, and the importance of inner strength. As a parent, embracing this phase for your children can help them grow into confident, kind adults equipped to face life’s challenges.