The Webster's dictionary tells us that a phase is a distinct stage of development, a temporary attitude, manner, or behavior pattern.

With this knowledge we ask ourselves, how long is temporary? Being parents of teenagers is a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. We look back and wonder where did our little person go? You know the one who would crawl up next to you on the couch for a cuddle. The one who gave you butterfly kisses and asked you to read them a bedtime story every night.

Those days seem to be long gone. We?re lucky to get a grunt as a genuine response to a question and apparently we aren?t the sunshine in our teenager?s eyes these days, we are the exact opposite. We have become the pain in their butt and did you know? We are embarrassing and quite stupid!

I can live with that, knowing that Webster?s says its ?temporary?. We have lived through the terrible two?s. We made it past the awkward pre-teen ?distinct stage? and now we are venturing into the infamous teenage ?behavior pattern? (sounds like something aircraft does before landing).

I?ve come to realize that parents of teenagers need to develop a thick skin. This is not a phase for the meek and timid, oh no, your going to get dirty. I tell myself, It?s quite alright that my child doesn?t like me right now, he has plenty of friends to like but he only has one mom.

So, batten down the hatches, take a deep breath, try to sneak in a hug whenever possible and enjoy your rollercoaster ride through this ?phase? of young adult to adult. It?s a bumpy ride but I?m sure the end result will be well worth it. Remember, after all Webster?s said it was temporary.