Happy Birthday to your son!

I think it's pretty cool that he is willing to let you clean his room. Not all teenagers want their parents in their rooms.

That’s exactly what I asked for Mother’s Day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you disappointed? What exactly is the issue?

I have a 17 year old and this is pretty normal.

OP here. I don’t know that I’m disappointed. It’s just not what I want for him, I guess.
I think most kids this age have friends or a girlfriend they want to see or want to have a party, or they care about particular clothes or sporting equipment and want presents or maybe a car.

I appreciate the responses here, though! It makes me feel more normal for sure!

Well, most kids his age do not have girlfriends in 2026. So sigh of relief on that one. And if you are in DC, many don't even drive at 17, so no cars. But, I hear you. We have an image in our heads from our own past and from movies, and real life isn't like that for our kids. We worry. But happiness in your own world is not to be underestimated.

I wish him his perfect 17th birthday!

Just read it to my 19YO and he said it sounds like the perfect day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you disappointed? What exactly is the issue?

I have a 17 year old and this is pretty normal.

OP here. I don’t know that I’m disappointed. It’s just not what I want for him, I guess.
I think most kids this age have friends or a girlfriend they want to see or want to have a party, or they care about particular clothes or sporting equipment and want presents or maybe a car.

I appreciate the responses here, though! It makes me feel more normal for sure!

My daughter is the same way. All she wanted for her birthday was chipotle and Dunkin’ coffee, no presents, party, and she could care less about having an allowance, she wants $0.

I love the relationship you've built with your son! He knows how to articulate what he wants for his special day. And his requests are so wholesome. He's not asking for anything crazy. Really just some "me" time or "self care"

It's also good that he is able to explain exactly what he will enjoy, OP!

I'm NT and frankly, after reading his wishes for his birthday-I want the same LOL. Except I don't play games, I'd just surf the web for hours and take naps anytime I want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you disappointed? What exactly is the issue?

I have a 17 year old and this is pretty normal.

OP here. I don’t know that I’m disappointed. It’s just not what I want for him, I guess.
I think most kids this age have friends or a girlfriend they want to see or want to have a party, or they care about particular clothes or sporting equipment and want presents or maybe a car.

I appreciate the responses here, though! It makes me feel more normal for sure!

A good chocolate cake with unlimited slices is a pretty good thing, even when you are not 17.

Social dynamics among teenagers are different today. It really is a different world. Wouldn't stress.

OP here. I’m not worried! I know this is very DS. I just think it’s kind of funny.
And it’s not “unlimited slices” that he wants. He wants to be able to eat his birthday cake alone without the singing or having to interact with the rest of the family .

Do we have the same kid?

Mine wanted me to make my German chocolate cake (it's banging if I may say so myself) and he wanted no birthday song or fanfare.

That sounds like a nice day OP, particularly for a teen who may feel like they have to perform for others every single other day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you disappointed? What exactly is the issue?

I have a 17 year old and this is pretty normal.

OP here. I don’t know that I’m disappointed. It’s just not what I want for him, I guess.
I think most kids this age have friends or a girlfriend they want to see or want to have a party, or they care about particular clothes or sporting equipment and want presents or maybe a car.

I appreciate the responses here, though! It makes me feel more normal for sure!

A good chocolate cake with unlimited slices is a pretty good thing, even when you are not 17.

Social dynamics among teenagers are different today. It really is a different world. Wouldn't stress.

OP here. I’m not worried! I know this is very DS. I just think it’s kind of funny.
And it’s not “unlimited slices” that he wants. He wants to be able to eat his birthday cake alone without the singing or having to interact with the rest of the family .

It sounds like his love language is acts of service — not gifts or quality time. I would really lean into this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you disappointed? What exactly is the issue?

I have a 17 year old and this is pretty normal.

OP here. I don’t know that I’m disappointed. It’s just not what I want for him, I guess.
I think most kids this age have friends or a girlfriend they want to see or want to have a party, or they care about particular clothes or sporting equipment and want presents or maybe a car.

I appreciate the responses here, though! It makes me feel more normal for sure!

A good chocolate cake with unlimited slices is a pretty good thing, even when you are not 17.

Social dynamics among teenagers are different today. It really is a different world. Wouldn't stress.