This is Fifteen.

stories and snippets from the frontlines of age fifteen.

Child 1 (girl)

Scary movies. Snacking. Asserting independence in small ways, such as getting into food and lording it over her brothers. Squabbling with her 12-yo brother. Perusing old yearbooks.

Driving! 4/2023

I think one of the hardest things for me to find peace with - or at least balance with - is letting information come from her. Especially any sort of social engagement where there’s been stuff happening with friends. I have to remember it’s her timetable and her choice, and I think oftentimes she needs time to process her relationships with others. Sometimes they come up later in conversations with little context; out of the blue. I tend to want to ask, to get a picture of things and gently nudge and inquire and dialog, and that’s a big part of what vibrant conversation and healthy relationships are. But a big part is also knowing when to let someone else deliver those moments to the degree they want, on their terms. I’m still learning that with our 15-yo, and sometimes I do a good job of it, and sometimes I don’t. 7/23

Child 2 (boy)

His physical stature: hasn’t quite caught up to me height-wise, but is close (5’7-ish). Lifting weights and chess are the dominant activities. A grin and wit and maddening ability to…tease and push buttons as well as anyone I’ve known. Including me. Loves to snuggle with his mom. Does not love hugs from me. But I don’t give up. I can still beat him wrestling, but not by much. Gets very irritated with his younger brothers, but can also be very patient and encouraging. Walks around shirtless a great deal of the time. At home anyway. 20251012

Child 3 (boy)

coming in a while

Child 4 (boy)

coming a while later

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