I get what you're saying, OP. It is nice when they reach the age of being able to make their own breakfasts and pack their own lunches. It does make things flow so much smoother in the mornings. But with that independence comes independent thinking. That's the one that's a kick in the pants and makes you miss the days when you could fix all their problems with a kiss from mommy or pick them up and physically MOVE them when they refused to go somewhere. |
| I have 4 teens right now and OP you are exactly right. It's so easy compared to what you have going on right now. Yes there are other issues like many PPs have mentioned, but IN GENERAL it's way way way easier, IMO, than those early years. I would take it ANY day. They're fun! You can talk to them! They are largely self-sufficient! You'll get there, OP. Hang on... (and don't sweat the small stuff, but don't give in on video games/screens/media/phones/social media - that sh*t is toxic and delay delay delay as long as possible, even if you feel like the ONLY parent who isn't giving in) |
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If you want a teen now, I will loan you mine!
When you wake up at 5:45am to pee, you might discover A. they actually haven’t come home yet and haven’t texted you to say where they are B. They texted you at 1am to let you know “FYI” that a new girlfriend stayed overnight with them, and presumably is still in their bedroom C. They texted you at 3am to say the car battery died, can you pick them up? Then lots more “?” texts but no actual update on what happened or where they are I could go on and on….😭 |
| I can’t believe the number of people who are delighting in saying “Haha Jokes on you OP. It’s terrible and you are a fool” y’all are not helpful. Teens are guaranteed to be awful. Stop spreading that myth. |
I can't even imagine the ass-whooping I would have gotten if I had done any of those things. there is literally a 0% change my kids will ever do A, B, or C. ZERO |
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I guarantee you that just bcs you so nastily posted this, there will be payback. Also, having such high opinion of your own parenting skills.... well it is an indication of how clueless you are about what is coming. let me guess, your kid is .....2? |
You had me at "tv shows" you do know tv shows are not real life? I wish you luck trying to get teens to go to bed at a reasonable hour so they can get up at an unreasonable hour! |
Nope. Kid is 12. |
Also, I know this won't ever happen bc I'm not even going to go to bed before my kid ever gets home for the night. So waking up a text that they brought some rando girl home? That will never happen. Seriously, my parents would have the beat the snot out of me if I had pulled even anything remotely close to that. And then I wouldn't be allowed to leave the house again. I don't beat my kids, but I guarantee that they wouldn't have any privileges if they even tried any of those stunts And heres the thing: I'm not even worried about it. Cause my kids know that. So they wont try it. |
You don’t know any self-motivated teens who want to get to school on time and do well in their classes? Sure they might stay up late studying, so you have to enforce bedtime sometimes, but certainly not sneaking in past curfew and drinking/doing pot on weekdays. |
Some teens maybe. But I was just talking to a mom of 3 this week whose kids are all college+ aged (except one HS senior) and she was telling me all about how it gets so much better and more fun when the kids are teens. She could travel and do fun stuff with them. Plus make her own plans to go out with her DH because the kids were independent. Vs. being in the midst of the young elementary/toddler/baby stage. Another coworker with two HS aged kids has said similar things to me (her kids are pretty into advanced classes/band so probably not partners). I know some teens are rough. I imagine dealing with a teen with mental illness, addiction issues, poor grades, etc. is harder than a toddler. But I also think there’s a decent chance to have some good ones who are fun to be around. I have all boys who are pretty sporty/laid back so I hope they stay that way! |
| *not partiers (stupid autocorrect) |
| Mine are 12 & 14 and this is the sweet spot for sure! |
| Ages 2-5 are best. once 1st gr comes it's hell |
That is outright hilarious. |