The TV show "Andi Mack" on the Disney Channel has done a great job in highlighting real life experiences. Imagine being thirteen years old and on your thirteenth birthday you find out that your cool older sister is really your biological mom. And the parents raising you are actually your grandparents. Yes this is Andi Mack. But what is important here is who is there for the child and remember the adults are the role models. And while we are role models, while the child is learning from the adults and about their own life, as we mature as adults and caregivers, we learn just the same. | Andi Mack Disney Channel, 2017 |
In this show, Andi Mack, is full of these experiences. It illustrates how difficult life change can be. From early life and inter-personality family issues while a teen is developing, learning from the adults in the child's life to the peers they influence from. Remember us, as "adults" are the role models. While we feel they fill so much of our own lives, we are there for them. As an adult caregiver, regardless of biological or not, if you are in a child's life it is up to you to be a positive role model and be there for the child. And while that wonderful child in your life means the world to you, they not only learn form you, but you learn of yourself.
And what to learn from all of this? Change and acceptance takes time. Time to take it all in. Sometimes we need help accepting, dealing with everything. As a teen, and even the caregivers. Talking to a therapist for the teen and adults can always be a big help too.