By Darcy Brixey

When I was a kid my mother handed down the oft-repeated threats of mothers everywhere: Some day you are going to have a daughter just like you. Imagine my relief when my first child was a boy.

Karma catches up to us no matter what and my son is in fact, just like me. I also know have a daughter just like me. Sometimes their sarcastic zingers catch me off guard and I’m unsure as to whether I should be offended or applaud their creativity.

I’ve been terrible at recording milestones in baby books, but since they’ve been able to talk, both my kids have a Word document filled with the funny and terrible things they say. I plan on presenting it to them when they become parents.

It’s not easy being a teen, nor is it easy to be a parent. I’ve now been on both sides of the coin and have felt I am right both times. I have also felt that nobody listens to me. Funny how that works. I’m also keenly aware of how an innocent comment can come across meaner than I ever intended it. I’m not the only parent (read: former teen) who feels this way.

Please come to the Bellevue Library at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 for a program called Bridging The Communication Gap Between Parents and Teens. This presentation is by Galit and Pam from the city of Bellevue Parent-Teen Mediation Program, which is a free program through the city of Bellevue that helps parents and teens sort through their problems and set realistic goals that work for everyone.

Explore other available resources from the KCLS teen page, www.kcls.org/teens. Collected links include everything from homework help to crisis information. Knowing what resources are available can help reduce tension and help parents and teens make decisions together.

This program is sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library. Registration is not necessary. All teen and adult family members are welcome.

Darcy Brixey is the teen services librarian at the Bellevue Library. She’d like to tell you she loves to read, but it’s an expectation of the job.