As a mom, you've been through it all - the sleepless nights, the terrible twos, and now, the tumultuous teens. It seems like we never get a break, right? Only this time, instead of a toddler throwing tantrums, you're dealing with a young man who's taller than you and has the voice of a grown man. You've got this, and just like those toddler years, "this too shall pass".

Let me tell you a quick story that might help put things in perspective.

When my youngest son was a toddler, he started doing this weird thing. Whenever he'd start crying, he'd forget to take a breath and end up passing out. I remember the first time this happened. We were outside, and one of his brothers grabbed his toy. He got mad and started crying. I stood there thinking, "Take a breath, buddy!" But he didn't, and down he went.

I was terrified. But, come to find out, it's not that unusual. Many kids go through this phase and grow out of it. Once I understood that, subsequent episodes were much less scary. I learned to help him calm down, and eventually, it stopped being an issue.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: separating the behavior from the boy made all the difference. Because I knew this was normal, I didn't worry that he would stop breathing altogether. I didn't worry that he would never be able to manage his emotions or have a normal life. The problem was not the boy; it was the behavior, and it was temporary.

Fast forward to today, and I see many parallels between toddlerhood and adolescence. Your teenage son is like an emotional yo-yo, bouncing between extremes faster than you can keep up. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, just like I did when my little one kept passing out. But remember this: just like that phase, this tumultuous time is normal, and it won't last forever.

So, as the mom, how can we survive these stormy teenage years? Here are some strategies that can help:

Separate the behavior from the boy:

This is crucial. Your son isn't defined by his actions, especially during this time of rapid change. When he lashes out or makes poor choices, remind yourself that this isn't who he is at his core. It's just a phase he (and every other teenage boy) is going through.

Understand that mistakes are teachers:

Boys get to change and learn, and sometimes those poor choices become the best teachers. If you knew that his current decision would be the reason he really internalized a lesson, would you look at that experience differently? It's tough to watch our kids make mistakes, but often, these are the experiences that shape them into responsible adults.

Recognize their depth:

Society often portrays teenage boys as shallow and silly. But the truth is, they think deeply and internalize more than we realize. They don't want to disappoint you; they're just trying to figure out life and become independent (which is what we want for them). Give them credit for their complexity and depth.

Find the balance between protection and growth:

As moms, we walk a fine line. We still have a responsibility to protect our sons from harm, but we also need to let them learn from experience. If you can see that a decision might have lifelong consequences, by all means, intervene. But for smaller, manageable lessons, let them make their choices and face the natural consequences.

Keep the relationship strong:

Above all else, maintain your connection with your son. This might mean biting your tongue sometimes or finding new ways to communicate. But a strong relationship will be your anchor through these stormy years. And for a time, it might feel like you're the only one making the effort; that's okay, do it anyway.

Seek support when needed:

If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek help. Remember, the better you show up, the better he will show up. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your son.

Just like my toddler grew out of his passing out phase, your teen will grow up and out of his unpredictable behavior. It might not feel like it now, but one day, you'll look back on these years with a mixture of relief and pride.

So take a deep breath (and make sure your son does too!). You've got this. And when it feels like you don't, remember that you're not alone. There's a whole community of moms out there who've been where you are, and we're cheering you on.

Your son is on the road to becoming a good man, and you're his guide. It's a tough job, but you're tougher. Keep loving him, keep believing in him, and keep separating the behavior from the boy. Before you know it, you'll be looking at a young man who makes you prouder than you ever thought possible.