Let me state the obvious: Mothering teenagers is a tough job sometimes. I don't know about you, but sometimes I want to go to my room, close the door and cry. Wait. I don't just want to do that. I actually do it! I know some people might think it means you've lost control. I think it means you are a normal mom of teenagers.

Many of us have bought into the notion that we have to have it all together all the time. What an impossible expectation to place upon yourself. Just think over the last few months with your teenager. Were you prepared for every situation they brought to you for advice? Or for the ones you just happened to find out about? Do you have an answer for everything going on with them? I know I don't. Sometimes I'm conflicted about how to reward or restrict. And what about situations where both a reward and a punishment are warranted? You know, the ones where they got themselves into a situation because they made a bad decision, but then did something truly amazing to rectify the situation? I don't always have ready answers for those moments? Do you? If so, email me. I need your advice!

I have experienced some wonderful highs, horrible lows and everything in between with my teens. And we're just at the beginning of this teenage journey! One day I cry tears of joy, the next tears of frustration. And I don't apologize for that. Parenting is tough. That's not to say it's not wonderful. It is. It's wonderful, tough, satisfying and challenging all rolled up into one.

My girls have heard me crying a few times. They'll knock on my door, ask me if I'm OK and apologize if they think they are the reason behind the tears. Then we have a conversation about the whole situation, tears and all. So if something good comes out of me dealing with an overwhelming moment, I'm all for it.

The point is, sometimes a mom just needs to cry, to release. We should never feel guilty about doing that. Unlike the movie that states that there is no crying in baseball, there is definitely room for a few good cries in motherhood. So mom, here is your official permission to have yourself a good cry when you need it.

Tissue anyone?

Marietta Taylor is the mom of two girls ages 15 and 14 and has been married for 17 years. The family moved from Chicago to Raleigh in 2003. The first few years were a wild ride and were the inspiration for her first book, "Surviving Unemployment Devotions To Go!" Read more about Mari on her blog and website. And find her here monthly on Wednesday on Go Ask Mom.