A letter to my future self

Things to remember:
Try to do your very best to always put your kids first and to remember that just because they are no longer babies doesn't mean that they still don't need you to be their parent. Keep in mind when they hurl insults at you or upset you without meaning to that they are testing the waters as a part of the learning and growing process. That having teenagers will be one of the hardest things you have ever done (yes, even harder than the first twelve months of their lives) as they are on the cusp between childhood and adulthood and searching to find themselves. Communication is key and although there will be times when you will be unable to find the words to express yourself, keep in mind that more often than not actions speak louder than words. The toughest thing will be acting like the parent, the more mature one, when, in the heat of the moment, all you want to do is let loose your inner child and hurt them like they have hurt you. This letter is meant to serve as a guide because right now I think you can better relate to being a teenager than you will be able to when actually dealing with one. Remember that they are still young and so very vulnerable and even though they act tough and posture, it is a defense mechanism that is meant to be broken down. Don't forget to praise them and tell them you love them. Don't forget to ask questions and don't forget to actually listen to the answers. You won't always know what to do, what to say, how to respond or how to act, but know they are watching and waiting and a lot rides on how you react. They will hold you to a very high standard. They will put you on a pedestal and expect perfection and they will never let you forget when you fall or fail, but that is also because they secretly need you to be human. You will question yourself and your decisions more times than you will care to remember, but all you can do is follow your heart. If you make a mistake, it is important to learn from it, but it doesn't mean you won't repeat it. And above all, remember that you are but one person and that you are only human.