When I Wasn't Sure If They Grew Up Too Fast Or Not Enough

Sometimes, when my teens are out late with their friends or come home smelling like alcohol and talking about the latest TikTok trend, I worry that they're growing up too fast. Other times, though, when I see them struggle to make decisions and feel lost about college choices or future careers, I wonder if they’re growing up slowly enough. It's a hard balance as a parent, to let them explore their independence while still being there for guidance. I guess what worries me most is that I might not be doing the right thing by either of those extremes. Maybe it’s just another way of wishing I could go back to my own teenage years and relive them better, but smarter.