How Have All the Moms of Teens Survived Before Me?

My oldest is 13, THIRTEEN. We’ve only been through, literally, the very first year of his teens and I AM NOT READY. 

I’m not ready for girls, dates, or heartbreaks. 

I’m not ready for high school, independence, or invincibility. 

I’m not ready for driving, wrecks, or being responsible for other people’s children. 

I’m not ready for our family to take a back seat to his social calendar. 

I am not ready for situations with drugs or sex. 

I’m not ready to find out if I‘ve done a good job at parenting because, right now, I feel like I should teach him a few more things.

Maybe I forgot something.

Did I explain the dangers of drug and alcohol? 

Did I stress enough the whole situation that is dating? 

Did I explain the responsibilities of being a strong yet respectful young man? 

Did I inform him about the dangers of being a male dating in a world in which girls are trusted and believed more than boys? 

Did I tell him that every single decision he makes will have some impact on his life from now on? 

Did I spend my time with him wisely? 

Did I teach him enough? 

Did I establish open lines of communication?

Did I love him enough? 

Will he become a good man?

How have all the moms of teens survived before me?  

I see my little boy changing right before my eyes… and I am not ready.