Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by The Smetz Files
If you’re in the throes of raising teens and tweens, keep reading! You might be surprised, if you can get beyond the constant ‘bruh’ being hurled at you!
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Teenagers have a bad reputation for being moody, sullen, and generally hard to deal with. And while I certainly enjoy all aspects of those mood swings as I am currently raising a teen and a tween (insert eye roll for effect!), it’s easy to overlook their goodness.
Kindness
I was reminded of my kids’ humanity on vacation recently. Their random of acts of kindness to total strangers led to a heartwarming encounter.
Let me explain.
Our family spent the week at one of Disney’s family friendly resorts. My husband grew up going to this resort and our kids have enjoyed several trips there themselves over the years. When we’re not at the parks, we find ourselves poolside, relaxing, the kids swimming or finding a pickup game at the community center. It’s a nice home away from home experience.
New Friends
This trip was no exception. One of our first afternoons my two tossed a rubber duck around the pool with a younger kid. As kids naturally do, they spent a few hours playing in the pool as if they’d known each other for years. They had such a good time, their younger friend invited them to dinner with his family!
We politely said our family had plans and I assumed that was that. A fun afternoon, a new friend on vacation, but one we’d likely not see again.
However, most afternoons they’d find each other at the pool, sometimes a few other kids joined in and played or tossed a ball with them. They became a little crew.
The families had cordial introductions, shared where we’re from, and discussed our departure plans. By the final couple of days the kids ran to find each other and gave hugs one final time before our return trips home.
So, what?!
What’s so special about this?
Well, at the surface, perhaps not much.
But my kids are years older than the younger kids they befriended. My kids could have easily found the others too juvenile and babyish to hang out with.
They could have easily done their own thing or hid behind devices instead of playing in the pool with unknown kids.
Instead they chose kindness. They engaged a younger kid looking for someone to throw a rubber duck around the pool. They enjoyed the simple goodness of an afternoon playing with new friends. They got away from the pressures and angst that comes with growing up.
Connection
One of the moms found us on social media and our families have connected. We live a few states away, but there are possibilities for the kids to see each other again.
We both observed the strong connection the kids made and she was appreciative to my two for their kindness and friendship, despite a few years age difference.
My kids thrive in the competitive environment of youth sports. And it’s great to see their focus and intensity. But so often I am reminded of their goodness and kindness outside of their athletic identities. They don’t have to be cut throat just because that’s what the world expects of them.
Truthfully, I am in awe of them most of the time. They are so much more confident than I am. They are comfortable in their skin and are open to seeing new people and new experiences with kindness and grace.
Now, if only they’d reserve some of that kindness and grace for dear old Mom! But then again, they are teens and tweens, learning to navigate this world. And I will forever be their soft landing spot.
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I write about my simple musings as a small town mom, mostly centered around raising young athletes. Thanks for reading my blog. I’d love to connect, follow The Smetz Files on Instagram and Pinterest!
