Most moms of adolescents and young teens spend each day caught up in the chaos of hormone surges and emotional upheaval. You never know exactly what it will be like during the next few minutes with your unpredictable child, but you hope that whatever interaction you might have has a positive ending.

These kids, in a transition from childhood to becoming a young adult, are probably on your mind throughout the day and into the night. You would love to be able to have a good conversation with them, but their resistance makes it a little awkward.

Mother’s Day can offer you an opportunity to explain to your child the deepest feelings of love and hope that you have in your heart for them.

Have you ever considered writing a “things I wish you knew” letter to them?

Writing this letter is such a beautiful expression of love that mothers have been doing for many years.

What are some heart-inspired thoughts you can express in this letter?

• Talk about their strengths in their character.
• Share your vision for them as a young adult.
• Note the good qualities that you see in their relationships.
• Express your appreciation for the specialness between the two of you.
• Let them know that your love for them is unconditional.
• Reaffirm that you will always be there for them.
• Sprinkle in special memories of times shared together.

The style of the letter will be different for each mom. What is most important is that you are yourself and that your child can see into your heart through your words.

Don’t forget, you most likely won’t get much a response from your child. Even though you have poured out your heart, the best you might get back is “thanks mom.” But I can assure you that the words in your letter will be forever stored in their heart and will give them inspiration during stormy times.