More Teen Stuff

[kath1210]

We went on the May 1-5 Wonder and my DS13 loved it!!

I was a little concerned because we almost never saw him and he had a bad attitude toward us (unusual for him). For example, he was very ticked off if we were 5 minutes late to meet him somewhere.

He was pretty closed mouth about what he did at Aloft, but I got the impression he was playing a lot of video games and computer games. Great, I thought, I am paying all this money for him to do what he does at home. He did do the "Wild Side" excursion at CC, though, but did not want to hang on the beach with us. He went back to the ship to hang out.

After the cruise, he was back to his "normal" self. Teens are a mystery! Did anyone have similar experiences with their teens on a cruise?

 

[Momeska]

Wait a minute...did you have my DS13 with you??? What can I tell you...it's a teen thing. "Attitude" is everything. We returned May 14th from a 7-day Western on the Magic with DS17 & DS13. DS17 was enthusiastic and showed it. DS13 acted as if just being there was a bother. He got a little better as the week went on. They basically don't want to be with their parents, they want to be with kids their own age. Hey...they're safe and having fun, despite the "tude". Deep down, they ARE having fun! If it's any consolation...they do outgrow it. Thank heavens!!!

 

[kath1210]

I'm glad to know there is hope for the future!

 

[jgalecpa]

Teens are a mystery!

The truest four words ever spoken.

I can read the Internal Revenue Code and know what it means.

I have no idea what a teen means, ever!

Jim

 

[profdsny]

What do kids(teens) do for dinner? Did they eat with you?

 

[6griswolds]

I am worried about my "moody" teens also when we cruise. When we go my two oldest will be about 17 and 13 1/2. Right now they are crappy mood monsters. This along with caring for my two youngest is enough to make anyone run down the street screaming. I hope our first cruise ever will not end up in a test of wills.

 

[Momeska]

6griswolds-we traveled with DS17 & DS13. DS17 was fine but DS13 is definitely "attitude boy". The saving grace is that other than us insisting they eat dinner with us, and going on a few excursions with us We Never Saw Them!!! We gave them complete freedom on the ship...where are they going to go??? They'd eat when they were hungry either at Topsiders buffet or grabbing a burger or pizza and spent a lot of time up in the Stack. They had a great time...on their terms. Sometimes it's hard to "let go" and this was the perfect opportunity to give them a little slack. Even though DS13 doesn't really talk about it, he had a blast!

 

[ohMom]

how concerned were you about foul play??

AND -- i remember reading about having your older kids/teens sign a 'contract' before leaving home and holding them too it. I plan on writing up a contract for both my girls with the rules and the privileges they will have as long as they obey our rules. sounds like one rule needs to be, remove yourself when you are feeling grumpy and return when the 'tude has passed.

it's going to be sooo hard leaving her to do as she wants and not always be with us - but it is her vacation too. i can't imagine picking counter service pizza over a regular dining room, but then the mystery continues...............

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Trust your teens. I'm sure they've all been raised right. Remind them that they are on a ship and CAN fall overboard. BE CAREFUL! Also, no means no! The same rules at home apply on the ship as far as manners and courtesy, this means no running in the halls, being loud after hours, etc. If you're concerned, go looking for them and check up on them in a descreet way. I did this quite a few times and my teen never knew!

Now for the hardest part, let them have fun. Once again, trust your teen! It may be years before you find out what they did on the cruise but hey, that's just the way teens are. My DS16 had a blast last year and in the 7 days we were on the ship, we saw him about 4 times (or so he thinks! )! The counselors are trained to handle teens.