I think I need to thank my parents. It’s not that they have done anything unusual or unexpected recently, but that old adage about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is suddenly ringing true for me.

Until this month, I had no idea what raising children was like. I have a two-year-old son, and since he was born he has been the light of my life, but this month, I got to experience an entirely new side of parenting – raising teenagers.

This year, my husband and I invited our nearly-teenage niece to come and live with us. I knew that this task wouldn’t come easy, but since, as I keep telling myself, it hasn’t been that long since I was also a teenage girl, I assumed I would have a little insight and be prepared to handle the task at hand.

I can honestly say that I am thrilled with the way things have gone so far. Our niece is adjusting to her new environment, and although it isn’t always easy, I’m confident that things are calming down and we’re settling into a routine. That said, I’m also convinced that I never ever thanked my parents enough for everything they did for my sisters and me.