By Martha Jackson
Raising teens in the summer is like trying to choreograph a dance when half your dancers are still asleep and the other half are off with friends you’ve never met.
It’s a rhythm that changes daily — and just when you think you’ve figured out the beat, they switch the music.
Gone are the days of lemonade stands in the front yard and movie nights where they’d sit through the whole thing.
Now it’s late-night outings, inconsistent curfews, and group texts that somehow determine your family calendar. It’s quiet mornings followed by chaotic afternoons, and a fridge that never seems to stay full for more than 10 minutes.
But somewhere in the middle of the mood swings and snack runs, something kind of beautiful happens. If you pay close enough attention, you’ll catch glimpses of the kids you used to tuck in — wrapped in bigger bodies, bigger emotions, and (if you’re lucky) a sense of humor that occasionally reminds you they’re still yours.
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I’ve learned not to take those moments for granted. A spontaneous car ride conversation, a shared laugh over a TikTok, a rare request to watch a show together. These are the new family dinners — short and sweet, but still meaningful if you show up for them.
So, if your teen seems allergic to plans, avoids eye contact until 11 a.m., and rolls their eyes more than they speak — take heart. You’re not alone, and you’re probably doing better than you think.
Summer with teens might look more like Uber rides and late-night fridge raids than beach trips and bonding, but it still counts. These moments matter — even if they pretend they don’t need you, deep down, they do.
Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos.
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