The teen years are a time when youngsters are making an important transition and want to be viewed as adults. Teens tend to be cynical and place a lot of important on being “cool.” They refuse to get excited about seeing the Disney characters waving at them in a parade, and they certainly don’t want you to hear them gasping in awe at a beautiful fireworks display.

However, as a mom, I sometimes notice that they can’t rein in their inner child completely. They get a little silly and actually have a good time when their younger brothers and sisters drag them to a character greeting. They let it slip that they really enjoyed the new floats in the parade or that the Peter Pan ride brought back some great memories of when they were young. I never say, “See, I told you so! I told you that you’d have a good time.” and I certainly don’t embarrass them by posting that picture where they mugged it up with Goofy with as much excitement as a six year old. I just cherish those precious memories on my own and let them maintain that “cool” facade.