"I wish you were my mom!" - Khanh, 19 years old, studying abroad in the United States.

"I'm very scared, he said he would post my naked pictures on social media." - Bich Chi, 17 years old, 11th-grade student in Vietnam.

"I lost contact with my mother until I was over 20 years old. It was only when I came to study in Sweden that I was able to talk to her again." - Nguyen, 23 years old, studying abroad in Sweden.

"I feel lucky that I can still talk to you, mom. My friends always lock themself in their rooms alone." - Te, 13 years old, my son.

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As some reasons, these young people came to me and left an impression on me with their words. When my son told me, "Mom, you're not a typical Asian mom!" I wondered what made me different. What made me earn their trust and desire to have conversations and share with these minors?

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Starting a new life in Sweden in September 2018, my son and I learned a new language together, adapted to a new environment, and established new community relationships. Living in Sweden has taught me valuable lessons about the concept of "Lagom" - the Swedish philosophy of moderation and balance. I have witnessed how this approach influences their parenting style, promoting equality, respect, and a healthy work-life balance, especially on women. This is one of some reasons that I started to write my first book ''Lady Lagom - 7 Aspects of a Balanced Life I Learned from Swedish Women''.

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Beside that, as an Asian mother, I believe in the power of connection, communication and understanding. It is through the open dialogue, empathy, and genuine interest that we can forge stronger bonds with our children. By listening attentively to their thoughts, fears, and aspirations, we create a safe space where they feel valued and supported.

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In my journey as a mother of teenager, I have learned the importance of finding a balance between guiding and allowing my son to explore and discover his own path, a combination of Asian style and Nordic style. I have realized that parenting is not about controlling every aspect of his life, but rather fostering his independence, resilience, and self-confidence.

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What does ''1001 Teen Stories'' means?

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"I'll only have a few more years to spend time with my son before he starts his own."

I was startled to realize this when my son announced me that the school year is end. I realized that I only have a few summers left to hang out with him. According to me, and maybe for many people, summer childhood memories are often bold and unforgettable. And I known that, in this fast-paced world, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. As mothers, let us strive to cultivate a sense of mindfulness, cherishing the precious time we spend with our children and treasuring the shared memories we create together.

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"1001 Teen Stories" where I am collecting variety of teen stories, from my son. The phrase "1001" draws inspiration from the famous collection of folk tales called "One Thousand and One Nights" (also known as "Arabian Nights"), which features a multitude of captivating stories. These stories not only reflect the minor's experiences and emotions but also may help their parent, especially the mother explore various aspects of teenage life, such as friendship, love, identity, self-discovery, challenges, and personal growth.

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Through these stories, I aim to share these insights and experiences, hoping to inspire and empower women, especially mothers, to embrace their own journey of personal growth while nurturing their relationships with their children. I want to encourage mothers to find their own unique path, one that aligns with their values and aspirations, and to create meaningful connections with their children based on mutual love, trust, and understanding.

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I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope that by doing so, I can contribute to the collective wisdom and support network for mothers of minors around the world. Together, we can embrace the challenges, celebrate the joys, and navigate the complex yet beautiful journey of motherhood.

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​Remember, you are not alone on this path. Let us walk hand in hand, learning each other, and building a brighter future for our teenager, filled with love, understanding, and endless possibilities.

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Uyen Tifi.

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