Growing Independence

As my teens age and mature, I am seeing their growing independence expand right before my eyes. They are unique individuals--they are NOT "chips off the old block" so to speak. They may have SOME things in common with us, their parents, but not a lot. They are becoming independent thinkers, and they are learning to express their thoughts regardless of what we or anyone else thinks about them. I was that way as a teenager--I was eager to strike out on my own and make my way in the world. I loved my family, but I loved the idea of being independent and on my own even more. I think my teens both have that fierce independent streak. I think it will serve them well as they enter the adult world in the near future.