“So if teens think as well as adults do and recognize risk just as well, why do they take more chances? Here, as elsewhere, the problem lies less in what teens lack compared with adults than in what they have more of. Teens take more risks not because they don’t understand the dangers but because they weigh risk versus reward differently: In situations where risk can get them something they want, they value the reward more heavily than adults do.” (Dobbs 4)

Yessssssss I understand this theoretically, yet as a parent of 3 between the ages of 15-24, how will I survive this anomaly emotionally? It’s so ironic that I am so afraid of losing my kids, yet paradoxically so flipping proud of their bravery, initiative, independence, and resilient risk-taking characteristics. I do remember feeling and thinking I too was invincible at that age, no fear could prevent my perilous acts. I should literally be dead for all the ridiculously inane choices I made as a teen; it baffles me when exactly that transition occurred, my fear outweighing my desire for reward. I think it may have actually been when I decided I had more, so much more than myself, to lose by the possible consequences of the risks. I know undoubtedly that happened when I became a parent. This segues into the next most salient point of interest for me in this article.

“Studies show that when parents engage and guide their teens with a light but steady hand, staying connected but allowing independence, their kids generally do much better in life.” (Dobbs 5) The struggle is real. Trying to navigate the crater potholes and massive speed bumps on the road of parenting adolescents is emotionally exhausting. This quote gave me hope. I know we are supposed to relate these articles to our experiences as educators yet I can’t help but make immediate connections to me as a parent, these two roles are very indistinguishable for me. Some days I feel like I’m more successful as a high school teacher than a parent. Why is it so much easier to practice these tenets with my students daily in my classrooms rather than at home with my own kids?