Most experts agree that as we age, our skin has a tendency to get thinner.  The elasticity begins to wear out and the aging process depletes other important nutrients from our bodies to make this happen.  However, before the skin ever gets thin, it must go through a rigorous process which we all must develop in parenting teens.  As our children reach their teen years (and maybe even a few years beyond), we start developing a “thicker” skin to survive.  It happens just as certainly as the thinner skin does when we become elderly.

Without that thicker skin we’d be unable to survive those years when are children go from cute elementary school kids to some pretty obnoxious teens.  For many parents, they can’t believe it is happening as the first layers of new, thicker skin begin to form.   Next, we find out our child doesn’t want to be seen with their parents and instead would rather hang out with their friends.  Add another layer of skin.  During the next phase, the skin really starts grow.  Driving leads to high insurance premiums, cars that are breaking down, and worrying when they come home late.  Then it is dating and all of the concerns that go with that.   Next it is grades, college, and paying for college that really adds to the thickness of your skin and it seems like it will never end.

In reality, developing thick skin is just part of being a parent.  It is listening, praying and being there for your child, even when they aren’t so lovable.  By doing so, you have played a major part in helping them realize an independence and confidence in themselves that will last a lifetime.  

So if that skin feels a little thick, stretched and tired now, just remember that some day in the not too distant future it will return to normal.  You will be so happy to see it and will fully understand that you have just completed a huge part in the parenting process.  You will have survived the teen years and can hopefully say that you wouldn’t have traded those experiences for anything in the world.  So try to enjoy that thick skin while it lasts.  Until next week … Walk in Love.

Lord, there are so many times during the teen years that I’m not sure that all of us will make it through alive.  My child / children can one day be so kind, compassionate and loving, and the next day be just the opposite.   Help me to understand that it is just part of the maturing process and love (him, her) no matter what may happen.   Give me the strength and wisdom to be a Godly parent so that I can help (him, her) grow into the person You created (him, her) to be.  In Jesus name.

I Cor. 3:14     If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. Beecher, Henry Ward