Be nice to (and interested in) your kids’ friends

My teenager said to me the other day, “did you know my friends all think you’re cool?”

Inner me: 🥳🎉🤪🤗🤩

Outer me: 🆒🆒🆒

He went on to tell me it’s because I actually listen to them and ask them questions about their lives but not like I’m trying to dig up dirt. AKA I treat them like actual real people, which of course, they are.

There are so many benefits to this, chief among them trying to stave off your own child ever pitting you against their friend (the friend will always win! They’re cool and you’re a parent!!). But also, they’re someone who likes your kid too — you already have so much in common — and they can tell you if your kid is ever in need.

But most importantly, kids have it so hard these days, largely because of the world we’re leaving them. So many of them could really use a friendly and supportive adult who’s not their own parent, to give them perspective or help or even just a listening ear. They’re going to mess up because they are still figuring things out — but it’s so worth it to always be rooting for them.

Also worth it for how my own teen will now chant at me, “you’re not a regular mom, you’re a COOL MOM.” (Sarcastic or not, I’ll take it!)