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Exasperated Parenting

For all the exasperated parents of teenagers-me included here is a Shabbat prayer:

Dear God

Grant me patience, kindness and understanding.

Grant me patience, kindness and understanding.
When I am ready to lose my cool help me remember to count to ten and remember that little bundle I carried in those first few weeks.

Help me see in my teen the good even when they open up a mouth.

Help me to see in my teen our future even when I think they will never get out of high school.
Grant me O God wisdom, patience and strength.

Grant me O God wisdom, patience and strength.

Help me to remember that the solution is not yelling but talking.

Help me God to instill in my teen the values of Jewish life. Let every moment be a lesson. And let every hug convey my love.

Help me to stay awake to greet them when they come home at curfew.

Help me keep the conversation going so that she/he will really talk with me.

Teach me O God to give thanks no matter what.

And help me smile!

I give thanks for my teen-grateful for the opportunity to parent-grateful to guide her/him into the future.