Teenage Boys. Where is the manual?

They don't come with instructions.  Or a how to launder tag.  Or a manual.  They don't come with a DIY booklet. 

Teenage boys.  If you have a girl, so do I, but they come with their own challenges. 

So as a loving Catholic mom .... and as a service to other moms ...... of teenage boys ...... I offer the following pearls of wisdom:

1. You are not cool.  Ever.  You don't walk or talk cool.  So avoid use of words such as "dude", "wicked", "babes" etc
2. If you fetch your son at school and his buddies are around, refrain from waving or making eye contact.  Do not alight from the vehicle.  Simply park and kill engine.  If you wait for more than 2 hours after that,  it is customary to walk closer to aforementioned child, however only making the slightest nod of your head to indicate "I am here".   My 15 year old has me well trained. 
3. He loves you.  He does.  However he has the hormone control of a blazing space shuttle hurtling through midair.  It is normal for him to ignore you completely for 3 hours, even though you have done nothing unacceptable, and then to come and sit next to you later and say "let's watch something together".  Do not make an issue out of it.  Find something to watch!! And if he wants to watch Football Funnies, do it.  This is bonus time with him. 
4. Church.  So he has done his FHC and he follows all the days of Obligation and he comes to Mass 95 % of the time.  Be grateful.  All teenagers need to question their Faith.  Not abandon it.  But question it.  How can they answer questions about it or enter into debate with someone around it if they do not challenge and question it along the way? So they go along.  Sometimes they sing.  Sometimes they don't.  Sometimes they mutter.  Many times they don't.  Your job is to ensure that you guide, lead and share the Catholic experience with them.  They will find their place.  I promise. 
5. Romance.  It is acceptable to ask how the girlfriend is.  Do not however do the 3rd degree under the fluorescent lights in the kitchen.  When he asks advice, give it - gently.  When he seems a little lost or maybe on the wrong track, steer - gently. Remember that you too were in High School.  You too fell madly in love and envisaged a life together for ever and ever.  Boys' hearts also get broken.  In such a case # 2 becomes quite prevalent.  Be there.  Nothing more.  Nothing less. 
6. Never say "are you going out in that?".  He is.  Else why else would he have put it on. So unless he is half naked or wearing something completely socially unacceptable, turn a blind eye.  He probably hates your mom jeans too.  But I don't see you taking them off. 
7. Sport or Cultural Activities.  Support him.  However please remember that shrieking, waving, cheering loudly, going whoop whoop, screaming "that's my boy", handshaking and such are frowned upon.  Remain in your chair, or better still your car.  And reward on field achievements with that slight head tilt as in # 2. 

Most of all ..... LOVE, LOVE AND MORE LOVE.  On the good days, the bad days and the inbetween days.  No-one says parenting is easy.  So bite your tongue, bang your head on your steering wheel, have some rescue remedy when needed, and love him (just not publicly). 

Till soon

Take a Leap of Faith 

xxx