Parenthood.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned I love the show, Parenthood. I save all of my laundry folding for Tuesday nights and I sit and I watch and I fold and I watch and I fold and I really enjoy it. I feel like every week there are different scenes or quotes or things that happen that hit me in different ways and last night was no different.

Lauren Graham's character, Sara, was talking with her brother Adam about teenagers and parenting and it's still sitting with me today.

"I should have fought more... Just when they tell you they don't need you is when they need you the most. You have to fight it. You have to show up. It's when they're pushing you away and telling you they know better. That's when you have to show up."

Sometimes I get caught up on all the wrong battles, making mountains out of molehills and stuck on principle. And sometimes, I think giving up and giving in makes more sense.

Awhile back I read somewhere that whenever your child does something that disgusts or appalls you that is your cue to draw closer to them. I have seen this work in my own parenting experience. Usually when I am most annoyed at whatever they've {whether this is H or E, or even T or M} done, pulling them close and actually touching them {whether through a hug or a touch on the arm or back} breaks down that frustration

Teenage-hood is on the horizon in our household and we're well aware of the struggles we've got comin'. And I admit, sometimes I, as stepmom, just want to sit back and stay out of it, but as a stepmom who's been around more of their lives than not, I can't.

I hope I'll keep on, keeping on.

Keep fighting.

And most importantly, keep on showing up.