Teenage Phase: Embracing the "Embarrassing Parent" Era

Ever felt like your teenager just wants the ground to swallow them up every time you open your mouth in public? You’re not alone – trust me, I run marathons (literally!) with my teenage kids and still wear the infamous luminous orange!

Hi, if you’ve ever been the “Embarrassing Parent,” this one’s for you. For over 1,700 days in a row, I’ve run and vlogged as part of the Runpreneur Challenge, with the ultimate aim to go beyond 4,292 days, run a staggering 40,075km, and, most importantly, raise £1,000,000 for children's causes. But while my mission takes me across continents barefoot, my toughest challenge is much closer to home: navigating family life with three rapidly growing kids who now – you guessed it – sometimes want nothing more than NOT to be seen with their dad!

The Shift: From “Cool Dad” to “Cringe-Worthy”

Five years ago, my kids couldn’t wait to be part of my running vlog. Whether it was my then nine-year-old son, seven-year-old daughter, or five-year-old youngest, every outing was an adventure together – bikes, selfies, giggles, and all. I cherished (and still cherish) those moments deeply.

Fast-forward: my eldest is now 14, my daughter 12, and my youngest 10. Suddenly, NO ONE wants to be on camera; the bikes come out less and the “Dad, do we HAVE to?” eyes are more frequent. My eldest, Leo, will jog with me for his football fitness, but the days of spontaneous on-camera chats are history – now, the blog is “cringe” and running beside the man in day-old orange is, apparently, far from aspirational.

Why the Change Is Normal (And Healthy!)

It’s tempting, as a parent, to worry you’re losing your connection, but here’s the truth: It’s not you, it’s their natural development. Around 13, the game changes. The need to fit in with peers, the desire for independence, suddenly Trump's family time.

It isn’t rejection – it’s growth.

Our children are finding their own feet, nurturing their own social skills, and figuring out who they are. That distance? It’s a sign you’ve done your job well. They feel safe enough to test boundaries and “stretch their wings”. Eventually, they return – on their own terms, with renewed confidence and pride in what their “embarrassing” parent stands for!

My Approach: Embrace the Cringe, Celebrate the Mission

Frankly, I don’t mind being somewhere between “not the most embarrassing dad” and “not the coolest” either. I run every single day, wearing my fluorescent orange, not for attention, but to save children’s lives. Maybe it makes my kids’ cheeks sometimes burn, but they know the WHY behind it.

That’s all I need.

Instead of fighting the phase, I celebrate it. I encourage my kids to grow, support their evolving interests, and keep the door open. One day soon, that door will swing wide again, and our shared journeys – both literal and metaphorical – will mean that much more.

Are You an “Embarrassing Parent” Too? Let’s Share Our Storeys!

If you’re riding that same rollercoaster, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How have you navigated your teen’s “cringe” years? Have you found unexpected ways to reconnect? Drop a comment below and let’s build a community of supportive, proud “embarrassing” parents!

And if you believe in a world where every step counts for a child’s future, join my mission: help me run 40,075km, smash through 4,292 days, and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes. Every share, like, and comment helps us reach more people and save more lives.

Until next time – stay positive, stay happy, and never stop running for what matters most.

— Kevin Brittain, Runpreneur

Subscribe to follow the journey, support the Runpreneur Challenge, and let’s create change together – one “embarrassing” step at a time!