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<\/div>\nSixteen feels big. It\u2019s one of those ages people build up in their minds long before it arrives. There are expectations attached to it \u2014 driving permits, rebellion, mood swings, distance, attitude. The classic, \u201cWell\u2026 he\u2019s a teenager.\u201d But the thing is, Lucas isn\u2019t especially interested in getting his driver\u2019s license right now. He has already been to prom. And despite what the world often says about teenage boys, we genuinely enjoy being around him.<\/p>\n
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<\/div>\nHe\u2019s smart, funny, kind, thoughtful, and deeply dedicated to the things he cares about. We have conversations that make us laugh until we cry, conversations that challenge us, and conversations that remind us just how quickly he\u2019s becoming his own person.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\nThat doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s never pushback. Of course there is. He\u2019s growing up. He\u2019s testing ideas, boundaries, opinions, and independence. That\u2019s healthy. That\u2019s normal. That\u2019s exactly what should happen when a kid starts spreading their wings. But there\u2019s a difference between healthy independence and assuming teenagers are destined to become miserable, angry caricatures of themselves.<\/p>\n
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<\/div>\nSometimes I wonder how much of the \u201cteenager phase\u201d we accidentally create ourselves. We expect hormones, outrage, attitude, and disconnection, and then we parent through that lens before our kids even get there. What happens when kids constantly hear that teenagers are difficult? That conflict is inevitable? That distance is expected?<\/p>\n
What if instead we expected connection? Respect. Humor. Growth. What if we made space for them to become themselves without assuming the worst version of adolescence is unavoidable?<\/p>\n
Lucas has been given room to grow while still knowing we are firmly in his corner. He knows he can push back safely. He knows his voice matters. He knows we actually like him as a human being, not just as our child. And honestly, he\u2019s becoming someone we\u2019d want to spend time with, no matter what role he played in our lives.<\/p>\n
At 16, Lucas has already been to more than 60 countries. He has earned nine college credits. He\u2019s advanced scuba certified and a certified pickleball coach. He\u2019s navigated airports, cultures, languages, and friendships all over the world. He can confidently talk to adults, entertain little kids, adapt to new situations, and jump into unfamiliar experiences without much hesitation.<\/p>\n
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