Friday Favorites : Teens’ Mom Addition
Navigating midlife alongside teens going through puberty can feel like a cruel joke. But it can also be an amazing time to grow together. My goal? Navigate this season of hormone havoc with grace and connection.
Here are some things I am loving right now for me and my teens:
EltaMD SkinCare
Hormones can wreck havoc on the skin. This brand was recommended to me by my dermatologist years ago, and I have used it ever since. UV physical is 100% mineral based, oil free, and tinted for just a little bit of coverage. Fragrance free, paraben free, and gentle enough for my daughters’ sensitive skin. If acne is a big concern they have several tinted and non tinted products specific to clearing blemishes with a broad spectrum SPF.
Lume Body Wash
Traditional soap isn’t always enough for the hormonal stink. Lume bodywash doesn’t just wash away dirt; it also raises your skin’s pH to combat smelly bacteria formation. In midlife, I’m grateful that it brightens my skin and fades pigmentation. No hormone disruptors makes this a win and on subscription.
Trivial Pursuit Card Game
In the teen years, mom and dad don’t know anything, right?! With this, we get to show ’em up a little with our knowledge from the best decades. Ok, so my son still beats us with the sports trivia but there are always a few good laughs. Grab a stack of cards for a car ride and keeping everyone off their phone, or just pass cards around the dinner table – no lengthy commitment of the full board game. This simple card game is a fun way to connect without the pressure of conversation.
Dash Popcorn Maker
Another low pressure way to connect: food. I love this no oil needed popcorn maker that lives in the game room not the kitchen. Whether it’s movie night or just relaxing after school, my teens can use this by themselves without even having to come down to the kitchen (I’m done being a short order cook). But I can also hear the popping and take a break to join them.
Calming Essential Oil
On a serious note – these teen years can be tough on the nervous system. Calming stress, supporting sleep, and boosting the immune system are a top priority for me and for my teens when I can sneak some woo woo in on them too. This is not just aromatherapy though; it is neuro-regulation (ever heard of the vagus nerve), and we all need more of it. My teens ask for this now when they are feeling overwhelmed, and I love that I have something useful to offer that really works.
