Positive Parenting: Finding the Good in Teenagers

On occasion I’ll be paging through poems or quotes and come across something really meaningful. That was a few months ago, but today is the day I’ll finally write and share. If you know me, you know photography is not a job for me. It never has been. But finding what I love the shoot? Now THAT was a job! It took years of shooting anything and everything from newborns and babies to families to seniors. Taking every job I was offered. Pretty much everything but weddings…and I even tried that once. Where did my love fall? With teenagers. Hands down, no question about it. Many people think I’m crazy, other photographers wouldn’t even think of taking on a full schedule of teenagers. But for me, it is a time in their lives that I truly love! They are acting out, learning about themselves, and growing up. I love being a part of it, hearing about their passions, sports, school, friends, music, and even the drama. I love it all!

And then I hear the comments…

You know the ones.”Lookout when your kids are teenagers!” “The teenage years are worse than terrible twos!” “I can’t wait to get my teenagers out of the house!” Did you ever stop to think that your kids hear this? Even if it isn’t from you, everyone seems to have this impression of teenagers. So in my search, I found this lovely poem written by Natalie Stafford. Let’s just say it puts it all in perspective.

A Positive Outlook

We all know how much words mean, both positive and negative. When teens hear so much negative talk, of course they’re going to take it to heart! So I’m going to take the time to talk about some amazing teenagers, some just starting their teen years and some who were clients years ago and are now in their 20’s. I can honestly say that I have NEVER had a teen that I didn’t love. I’ve had some that were insecure, some that said they hated senior pictures. Most, if not all were nervous. I love keeping in touch with the families to see how everyone is doing! If you’re one of my past seniors or their parents, please reach out and let me know how everyone is doing! I’d love to catch an updated headshot if possible and blog/brag about them!

From full college scholarships and successful sports careers to engagements, law school, and so much more! Teenagers have as much to offer the world now as they did then. I’m so proud of each and every one of the high school seniors and how they’ve started off their young adult lives! Below are just a few of the teens who I’ve kept in touch with and watched them as they begin their adult lives.

Perry High School Graduate, Kelci Abernethy

Check out Kelci’s senior portraits from 2015! And if you want to see some awesome baseball pictures, you won’t want to miss her brother Connor’s senior portraits!

Red Mountain High School Graduate, Paige Stabley

Check out Paige’s senior portraits, along with her twin brother Alex!

Red Mountain High School Graduate, Alli Newman

Check out Alli’s senior portraits!

If you have kids and teens but haven’t visited Hands Free Mama, take some time to check it out! You’ll see this poem as well as many other resources on parenting your teenager!