Right now, I am struggling. I have three teenagers. Or as Schmidt calls them, “Youths!”

If you watch “New Girl,” then you know Schmidt does not like teenagers. It’s quite hilarious how he talks about them, and I find it encouraging to watch the shows and laugh about it.

I have three teenagers, and that, right there, is probably all you need to know about my struggle. You get it. I know you do. Even if you don’t have a teenager, you were once one. It is a hard time for both the parents and the teens.

And you know what? It’s inevitable. The struggle for autonomy; the fierce fight for independence; the pulling away; the emotional rollercoaster; and the hormone surges are all going to happen. Studies of industrialized nations show this to be true. Now, in places where individuality is not emphasized, this is not so much an issue. But something about industrialization of a society creates this. So, we can all thank industrialization for our woes.

I do love my kids, in spite of their YOUTH status. We even have some really wonderful moments on occasion. Right now, however, is just hard. As a result, I have spent the last week speaking to other parents, especially those whose kids have completed their teen years. Hearing their stories of what they went through is helpful. Hearing that it really does get better gives me hope. And when someone says, “Oh my God! I was terrible to my parents, but we are really close now!” is the best news ever!

So I will continue to ride out this wave of hormones, emotions, fierce battles and days of stony silence. I will continue to love my teens, even though I really don’t like them. And if you have a teen, you can join us when we gather at the bar to commiserate. Because we are not getting through this alone… we are all in this together!!!