The Extreme Teens Taste Test

Just before school started, my son had a good friend over-they've been friends for about ten years now, and it never fails that, even if it's been awhile since they've spent time together, they have no trouble making up for lost time. This time, that included making a smoothie in our kitchen. Now, not just any smoothie, mind you. Nope, this smoothie was one that contained everything in the kitchen. Yes you read that right: EVERYTHING in the kitchen was in this drink. From cupboards to fridge, there was no stopping this crew. How could I let 'em do such a thing, you ask? Well, by the time the endeavor was underway, there really was no way I would have had the heart to put an end to the laughter and fun (After all, I was really quite curious to see what this creation would end up looking like too). And it got me thinking: It's really such a short time that we get the opportunity to share our life and our home with our kids. Sometimes it feels like forever and other times it can seem like the days drag, but when we look back over chunks of time-be it five years or ten years-the time has flown by so quickly, never to return. And it's at times when the house is quiet, the kids are otherwise occupied (with endeavors that don't include me), that I can't help but think that it wasn't that long ago that they were needing bits of me more often. So really, that's why I can't help but celebrate when they make messes. Yes, you read that right: I'm truly happy when they get down and dirty, and especially in the kitchen! You see, it's also happened that they've gotten neater and more fastidious as they've gotten older. We don't find the dumped bins of Legos left in the living room, the blocks and Barbies left strewn in mismatched array around the house. They're just neater now (I know you don't all have this issue; bear with me). Their interests have changed, and sometimes their participation in kitchen activities has reflected this too. Now don't get me wrong: they each (now 11 and 16 years old) know how to cook a mean egg, whip up any array of leftovers or blend up some of the most divine slushies and smoothies I've ever tasted. It's the overall "wanna be with ya" interaction that has changed dramatically in the pre- and teen years. And that's what makes it even more bittersweet-time doesn't stop. For anyone. It keeps pluggin' along at high speed, imploring us to gather all that we can from each moment, from each interaction, from each little tidbit and crumb that comes our way. But then again, it's also a reminder that it's up to us also. It's up to us to choose to see the mess or to see the creativity. It's up to us to see the light of inspiration or the crumbs and drips of what's left. It's up to us, really. For what we choose to hear, see and feel is the choice. And I can now see that what I thought would never end has flown by in what now seems an instant. I encourage you to take a second breath and embrace what your kids bring to the table. Whenever it shows up. And how it shows up. The curiosity, the inquisitiveness, the energy and joy that each child brings into the mix. I know how it is-when you're feeling tired and worn out, like there aren't enough hours in the day, it's certainly not easy. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs on this earth-plus, it's not something that we know or appreciate until we're right there in the trenches. So the next time your kids make a mess in the kitchen, I dare you to step back, take a deep breath, and celebrate. Yes, you read that right: celebrate the mess! For it really won't be very long that your kids will be under the same roof, wanting to bake those chocolate chip cookies, those pancakes, those ____ (you fill in the blank). No, before you know it, you'll be the only one making a mess in your kitchen-and that's just about the time when you'll realize that it really was so much better (and more fun!) when you had those other little fingers and feet underhand and underfoot. But then again, maybe you'll just go out to eat since the kitchen is already neat. And the house ... well, it's just too quiet.