By Carolina Navarro – Intake Coordinator at CGCC
Raising a teenager is no easy feat. Raising one as a single mom adds layers of complexity, emotion, and growth I never quite anticipated. My son now stands on the threshold of adulthood, and as we step into the world of college applications, I find myself learning to hold on with love—and let go with purpose.
From the beginning, my goal as a parent was clear: to raise him with intention, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. I want him to know that even in a world full of unknowns, he has a solid foundation beneath him. That foundation isn’t mine alone. It’s built by a village—our family, close friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors – the people who show up in big and small ways.
They help carry us through late-night homework stress, carpool chaos, sports seasons, and quiet moments when being a single parent feels overwhelming. This village isn’t just raising my son—it’s holding me up, too. Their presence reminds me I’m not doing this alone.
Life with a teenager is a mix of deep conversations, eye rolls, boundary-pushing, and unexpected moments of growth. I see the man he is becoming and the boy he still is. And now, as we begin preparing for senior year and then college, I feel the shift. He’s moving toward independence. I’m learning how to support without being controlling, while preparing him to launch and softening the landing.
But this transition isn’t just about him – it’s also about me.
For years, my identity has been deeply tied to motherhood. As I look ahead to this next chapter, I don’t want to simply adjust to the quiet – I want to use it with purpose. I want to set specific goals for myself, not just to fill the space, but to grow into it. This is where I WILL begin:
- Pursue a personal project – I want to commit to something meaningful outside of parenting. Whether it’s starting a blog, launching a side business, or finally taking that course I’ve put off. I will give myself a timeline and take the first step. (Here you have it, starting with my first blog!!)
- Develop a wellness routine – I will create a weekly plan for movement, mindfulness, and nutrition. My goal: consistency, not perfection. I will track my progress and celebrate the habits I build.
- Schedule social connection – I want to set a goal to connect with someone inside and outside my circle at least once a week—whether it’s a phone call, coffee date, or a group event.
- Protect intentional downtime – I will block off time just for me. Not to be productive, but to rest, reflect, and reconnect with who I am outside of this to-do list.
This next chapter is not an ending – it’s an invitation. My son is preparing to take on the world, and I am preparing to return to myself.
Purposeful parenting means raising him with love and direction—and now, I offer that same love and direction to me.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Parenting is a process of letting go. First, you let go of their hand, then their childhood, and finally your expectations.” Katrina Kenison
