you’re an Influencer—whether you know it or not
When you hear the word "influencer," your mind might jump to social media personalities with millions of followers, carefully curated feeds, and viral hashtags. But what if I told you that you—yes, you—are an influencer of the highest order? You may not have a massive online audience, but the impact you make as a parent is far greater than any trending reel or viral tweet.
Your sphere of influence is your teen, and whether you realize it or not, your words, actions, and attitudes are shaping the person they are becoming. You might not make headlines, but the influence you wield is felt deeply and daily.
The Subtle Power of Everyday Actions
Your teen is always watching, even when you think they’re not paying attention. How you handle stress, treat others, and respond to challenges teaches them more than any lecture ever could. For instance:
Do you apologize when you’ve made a mistake? You’re modeling humility and accountability.
Do you speak kindly about yourself? You’re showing them how to practice self-compassion.
Do you put your phone down and truly listen when they’re talking? You’re teaching them that they are valued and heard.
Every choice you make sends a message, and those messages add up to a powerful legacy of influence.
When It Feels Like You’re Not Enough
Parenting teens can be challenging. There are days when it feels like everything you say goes in one ear and out the other. You might wonder if they even notice or care about your efforts. Let me reassure you: they do.
Teens may not always show it, but they’re soaking in your guidance, your presence, and your love. It might show up in the way they stand up for a friend, the way they persevere through a tough situation, or the way they turn to you when they’re struggling. Those moments, however fleeting, are proof of your influence.
Your Influence Outlasts the Moment
The beauty of parenting is that your impact doesn’t end when your teen grows up. The values, habits, and love you’ve instilled in them will ripple out into their future relationships, careers, and communities. They’ll carry your lessons with them, shaping the next generation and beyond.
Embracing Your Role as an Influencer
So, how can you lean into this role with intention? Here are a few reminders:
Be Present: Show up consistently, even in small ways. Your presence is your superpower.
Lead with Love: Let love guide your interactions, even in tough moments. Teens thrive on connection and grace.
Model Growth: Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Your willingness to evolve teaches them resilience.
Speak Life: Use words that build up rather than tear down. Your voice becomes their inner dialogue.
A Lasting Legacy
You may never go viral or see your name in lights, but your influence as a parent is unmatched. You are shaping a life, and through that life, the world. You are an influencer—whether you know it or not—and the impact you’re making is extraordinary.
Take heart, what you’re doing matters more than you could ever imagine.
PS - It takes a village! Click here to book a (free!) 30-minute 1:1 call with me to learn how I can give you the guidance and accountability you will need as you reclaim your relationship with yourself and your teenage children. It is never too late to start!