One Hot Flash and Teen Sass Away from Losing It

Our real life hormonal sitcom filled with chaos, fun, and love.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Have you ever felt like you're just one hot flash and teen sass away from losing it? As a 55-year-old mom of a high school freshman, that’s exactly how my life feels some days.

At 21, doctors told me I was infertile, and I never imagined I’d become a mom. Yet, here I am, raising a remarkable and sassy 14-year-old.

Raising a hormonal teen while navigating my own menopausal rollercoaster is like starring in a two-person circus act where the juggling never stops. Emotions flare up like unexpected fireworks, and maintaining peace feels like balancing on a high-wire, with both of us trying not to fall into chaos.

One minute, I’m fanning myself through a hot flash, and the next, my teen is rolling their eyes so hard that I’m almost sure they can see their own ass. It’s like a tornado and hurricane colliding, and the only way to avoid a full-blown emergency is through humor.

We’ve mastered the art of diffusing tension with laughter, turning potential disasters into sitcom-worthy moments. How we make it through the day without a commercial break is a mystery, but that’s the magic of our daily show!

Just the other day, I overheard my child laughing with a friend and saying, 'Ya know, my mom is as old as your Grandma.' My first thought was, 'Well, that’s a new twist on the mom jokes I’m used to.' They know I always celebrate my birthday with a playful, 'I made it to [whatever age I made it to].' This year, I've decided to up the ante by annoying them with the classic 'I Can’t Drive 55' song. Oh, the joy of GenX sarcasm I get to pass on to keep things lighthearted.

Photo by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash

Sappy Hormonal Time

I look at my teen and feel such an overwhelming sense of gratitude, wondering how did I get to be so lucky?

My child has a radiant spirit that shines brightest when surrounded by friends, especially those from big families. Sometimes, I catch myself wishing I could provide that same bustling, noisy home filled with siblings and shared memories.

However, what I can provide is just as valuable: unconditional love, a deep well of understanding, a listening ear that’s always available, and a home where safety, security, and consistency are lovingly provided. Our relationship is open and lighthearted, filled with goofy moments and fair boundaries that we both respect.

I’m far from perfect, and I know that kids pick up on everything in their environment. Then there’s the genetic lottery they’ve inherited, with a history marked by diabetes, addiction, depression, anxiety, thyroid issues, high iron, skin cancer, and heart disease. That’s just the tip of the iceberg from both sides of the family. Oh, the endless worries we parents carry with us.

Still, I do my best to educate and lead by example. I emphasize the importance of healthy food choices, regular movement, quality sleep, staying hydrated, and steering clear of harmful substances like drugs, vaping, smoking, and alcohol. I know these are the building blocks of good health and mental well-being.

But I also know that as parents, our role is to guide, not control. Our children have their own paths to walk, their own mistakes to make, and their own happiness to explore. All we can do is love them fiercely and be there to support them every step of the way.

So, would you watch "One Hot Flash and Teen Sass Away from Losing It"—our real life hormonal sitcom filled with chaos, fun, and love?

What’s your favorite way to inject humor into your daily life with your kids and family?

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Lori K Today is a lifestyle publication reflecting on life with GenX humor, Ginger Sass, and all Heart. Sharing mostly short stories, derived from my life and/or my imagination.