To all the wives who are mums too!

Dear Sista! I hope you can find a quiet moment to read this, knowing that you’re not alone in the challenges you’re facing. As a fellow mum raising two teenagers, both 14, with completely different personalities, I understand how overwhelming and exhausting it can feel at times.

One of mine is introspective and sensitive, navigating life with quiet determination but also a deep need for emotional reassurance. The other is bold, fiercely independent, and constantly challenging boundaries, which keeps me on my toes. Every day feels like balancing on a tightrope, trying to meet their individual needs while also holding space for my own emotions. Some days, I nail it. Other days, I feel like I’ve barely made it through.

Teenagers can be such a paradox. They crave independence but still need you. They’re finding their voices, but sometimes those voices come out loud and sharp. It’s easy to wonder if you’re doing enough or getting it right, but I’ve come to realize that showing up with love, even on the hard days, is what matters most.

There are days when I feel like I’m failing—when patience runs thin, or their struggles seem bigger than what I can handle. But then there are moments of connection, however fleeting: a shared laugh, an unexpected hug, or a simple “thanks, Mum,” and those moments remind me that it’s worth it.

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling and to take a breather when it all feels too much. Being a mum doesn’t mean you have to be perfect; it means you show up, love deeply, and keep trying. And you are doing that.

I see you. I see your strength, even when you feel like you’re running on empty. I see the love you pour into your kids, even when it’s not reciprocated in the way you hope. And I see the courage it takes to keep going, even on the hardest days.

You’re not in this alone. Together, we’ll get through these teenage years—one conversation, one meltdown, one triumph at a time. I’m cheering you on, and I hope you know you’re doing a remarkable job.

With all my support and understanding,

Your Sista