Thirteen Candles and a Thousand Feelings

Last week, we celebrated my son's 13th birthday—and I wasn't prepared for the wave of emotions that hit me like a tidal surge.

He blew out the candles with that spark in his eyes, a mix of boyish wonder and budding maturity. And while I smiled and cheered with everyone else, I was also blown away with how fast we got there. Thirteen. A teenager.

Nothing quite prepares you for the moment your baby, the one who once clung to your leg and whispered secrets in your ear, starts standing taller, speaking deeper, and pulling slightly away.

His voice is deeper now. His jokes are sharper. His independence is more obvious.

The rollercoaster is real.

There’s pride—so much pride. I see the kindness he carries, the fire in his mind, the heart that’s so open to the world.

There’s fear—of the world he’s stepping into, of all the things I can’t control.

And there’s hope—because I know we’ve laid a strong foundation.

There’s something bittersweet about watching your child grow. One day they’re asking for help tying their shoes… and the next they’re rolling their eyes when you remind them to wear a jacket.

Even Though Your baby Is Growing Up, Remember This:

Your teen still needs you—even if they act like they don’t.

They may roll their eyes at your jokes, shrug off your questions, or greet your check-ins with silence.

Behind the slammed doors and the “I’m fine” replies is a young person who still needs to be seen, valued, and loved—unconditionally.

Your consistency is their Safety.

Your presence is their Anchor.

And even if they don’t say it, they’re watching how you show up.

Not just in the good moments, but in the hard ones.

Keep showing up.
Keep knocking on the door.
Keep sending the “just thinking of you” texts.
Keep asking how their day went, even when they give you one-word answers. 

Here’s to showing up with grace, to giving ourselves room to feel it all, and to honoring the beauty of seeing our kids growing up… and growing with them.

If you're ready to take your parenting to the next level, or feel stuck in your parenting journey, message me directly or a book a free Parenting Roadmap call.

Best,
Dr. Sarita