As a parent, every age and stage of your kids lives comes with its unique set of ups and downs. But no stage is dreaded the way the teenage years seem to be at least based on the pervasive stereotypes out there.

But as it turns out, raising a teenager can actually be a pretty awesome experience. There are challenges to be sure (e.g., dealing with the moodiness, the power struggles, the messy habits, the smartphone battles) as there are with every age. But many parents find that the positives outweigh the negatives for them.

I was really afraid of the teen years, but its been my favorite stage so far, reader Gwen S. wrote on Facebook .

Below, members of the HuffPost Facebook community share some of the reasons parenting a teenager is actually much more fun and rewarding than many people realize. These often-overlooked joys will help you relish parts of the teenage stage if youre in it or theyll give you something to look forward to down the line.

1. They get to exercise their independence in new and exciting ways.

I recently dropped my son and his friends off for a day of mountain bike riding. It hit me suddenly that I was really excited for them because they were heading out by themselves for the day. It was not the first time theyd done it, but the first time I realized how great their independence and their enthusiasm was. Sally K.

2. As a parent, you get more freedom, too.

Sleeping better, watching what I want on TV, being able to go out and do things because my daughter can stay home alone. Danielle J.

3. They can actually do more around the house.

Cooking! Whether it be feeding himself when I dont have time or energy, trying a new recipe he sees on TikTok or wanting to make something gourmet. Watching him explore, be creative and even teach me some new tricks is definitely a new experience. Jocelyn R.

When I get to send him to the grocery store with a list? WINNING! Tiffany G.

4. Their sense of humor can be so entertaining.

I love the personality and sarcasm my teen has developed. She is so witty and funny and dark I simply enjoy being around her. Lisa N.

Whenever my daughter cracks a joke that makes me authentically laugh, its a pretty surreal feeling. Alicia O.

5. You get to have deeper conversations.

I love talking politics with my son and learning the views of him and his friends and how they differ. Its great to see him educating himself on the world and social justice. Niri K.

Philosophical discussions about current day generational differences, pronouns, gender, equality, etc. Hearing the perspectives of a new generation and asking questions without public shame. Ruth H.

6. You get to see them become their own person, while also noticing hints of you and your spouse in them.

My husband died five years ago so this is especially joyful for me. Tiffany B.

7. The pride you feel when you see how big their heart is is unparalleled.

When you see your teen taking on responsibilities or being kind and thoughtful. A glimpse of the good human they are becoming. Helen W.