Parenting teenagers is hard and sometimes crazy

She was willfully choosing to be difficult and disrespectful to her teacher and it’s not acceptable in any form and it is a pattern of behavior she is doing more and more. If she was sitting down in first base because it was more comfortable for her playing softball her coach would not tolerate it and she would have consequences. It’s a pattern with her and it was a silly thing for her to die on that hill. It is my job as her parent to provide a punishment as all actions have consequences and children need to learn that, she much prefers reading books than her electronics so the punishment is not as much of a big deal to her as you think it is. In a couple years she will be learning to drive, she can’t do that with her legs crossed, nor would her boss who is training her for a job tolerate her disrespect because she just doesn’t want to do a specific task because she just doesn’t like to. My job is to help her become a functioning adult who can adapt to change so she can handle all the bumps along this road we call life.

All that said, my parenting is not the point of this thread, it’s the silly moments you never thought you would be saying or dealing with as a parent.

I remembered another story. I took my daughter to the pediatrician after hours because she wasn’t feeling well. While waiting in the lobby a little girl and her parents came they kept asking her if she had put a raisinette up her nose. She denied it every time, all the while she was producing chocolate snot. Our appointment took a while due to labs so I asked the pediatrician if the little girl really did have a raisinette up her nose and she said she sure did and it was wedged really far up there. She then said that she’s pulled out all kinds of bizarre things out of kids ears and noses.
My youngest is the same way! 12 years old, strong-willed and a ball of hormones. We take away electronics too. She would be more upset if we took away her book she is reading. Stay strong! I think they will be good lawyers someday!
 
I don't think so at all. Being disrespectful to your teacher AND her mother isn't behavior anyone needs to ignore coming from a teenager. Refusal to follow directions and being disrespectful isn't cute. You have to find their currency. The OP was completely in the right not letting her child act out. Seems to me she's trying to raise a child that has basic manners. The world needs more parents who care as much. I have a 13 year old daughter and I would've done the same. My child isn't going to blatantly tell me no and have no repercussions. Sorry, not sorry.
Yep! Too many children are allowed to be disrespectful with no consequences!
 
The first thing that came out at me when I first saw this thread last night was remembering what it was like when my two took guitar lessons. First, it was super expensive. And it also took a chunk out of our afternoon, and other planning. I would’ve been pretty pissed if we “wasted” a lesson this way. In our case, weekly the report from the teacher on the way out became that it was clear that only one had been practicing. (Lol.) That was the one that got to continue the lessons!

FWIW (even though this isn’t supposed to be about parenting) I support the note to the teacher (absolutely, because the DD was disrespectful) and whatever else the OP decides to do, as she knows her daughter and the situation best. This is around the age some kids start to think they know more and better than us, so limits still need to be set with this type of thing, as others here have alluded to. Sometimes the kids themselves are looking for these limits when they’re feeling their way into teenhood - nothing wrong with clear expectations!

I also saw the OP said this:
She really couldn’t explain later why it was so important to keep her legs crossed once she was out of her funky mood.
So I didn’t really think it was one of those other awkward issues, otherwise she would’ve likely said so.

I also found it pretty ironic that on one thread here last night, one poster was complaining that parents no longer parent, but here, a parent who is parenting was catching flak. I guess you can’t win!
 
I'm not sure I will survive these teen years! I spend more time crying in the bathroom........ I just can't do anything right. Yesterday DD got mad at me because I was in the same room as her. She got home from school and was sorting through her bag in the family room and I walked into the room to grab my phone. She accused me of "following her around" and stormed up to her room.

She says I smother her, so I back off. Then I am accused of not doing enough for her. Someone please tell me this phase ends. It does end right?

The consequences are hard. I have heard it's not good to take away electronics, that it just does not work. How do you deal with the freshness? Do you ignore it or call them out on every snide comment?
Sending a :hug: That sounds like a difficult way to live. They used to call it “Getting too big for their britches”. She doesn’t get to dictate who can go in which room and when, nor is she in charge. If she wants to leave a room you’re in, then fine, but don’t let her tell you what to do. There has to be respect. Sounds like a bootcamp candidate on Dr. Phil! (Can you tell that her making you cry repeatedly in the bathroom has triggered me? :bitelip: ) Is there anywhere she could volunteer to do some good and give of herself rather than making it all about her? I think there is hope she can grow out of it but I’d say it should be curbed a bit, too.
 

So I didn’t really think it was one of those other awkward issues, otherwise she would’ve likely said so.
Possibly. Unless she was embarrassed. I don't know that that's the case, but maybe.
I also found it pretty ironic that on one thread here last night, one poster was complaining that parents no longer parent, but here, a parent who is parenting was catching flak. I guess you can’t win!
But EVERY person has a different idea of what "parenting" entails. Some want to micromanage everything a child does, others let kids do anything they want. No one way is right or wrong. And yes, every parenting decision that is out in public (whether seen or read about) is going to be judged.

Personally, I think OP went overboard. But my opinion and $6.50 (+ tax) will get you a Dole Whip.
 
Sending a :hug: That sounds like a difficult way to live. They used to call it “Getting too big for their britches”. She doesn’t get to dictate who can go in which room and when, nor is she in charge. If she wants to leave a room you’re in, then fine, but don’t let her tell you what to do. There has to be respect. Sounds like a bootcamp candidate on Dr. Phil! (Can you tell that her making you cry repeatedly in the bathroom has triggered me? :bitelip: ) Is there anywhere she could volunteer to do some good and give of herself rather than making it all about her? I think there is hope she can grow out of it but I’d say it should be curbed a bit, too.

She started a job working at a day care center after school. I am hoping it sparks some joy for her. She loves little kids and they are drawn to her too. Funny thing is that she is extremely respectful to other adults. Her boss goes on and on about how wonderful and helpful she is and how the kids adore her etc.

I guess it's payback time because my dad used to always tell me "You are getting too big for your britches young lady" 😆
 
So I didn’t really think it was one of those other awkward issues, otherwise she would’ve likely said so.
It's a bit hard to tell no? Because the reaction to it was the OP starting in on taking things away and an apology letter. Wouldn't make me want to open up and discuss things even if my answer was "you know IDK I just woke up in a bad mood".

FWIW when I started my period at 13 I felt terrible and didn't want to discuss anything with my mom because I was 1) already embarrassed that I started later than my friends and 2) I sat through a dinner uncomfortable with pain radiating from my ribs to my belly in a feeling I never knew could happen but didn't know why because it was a few hours after we got home that I actually started. I don't care if that wasn't why there was a "don't feel comfortable crossing legs" it's more like what way was it handled that encouraged more open communication versus shutting down. It wouldn't be the last time I thought of that interaction the next time I had something going on. And given that the daughter called the OP on her choice to take away things and make her write an apology letter it apparently meant enough to her to keep quiet about why she felt the way she did rather than fess up to avoid such consequences. That more than anything stood out to me in why I didn't feel this was just a silly thing to gossip about on the DIS.
 
I'm not sure I will survive these teen years! I spend more time crying in the bathroom........ I just can't do anything right. Yesterday DD got mad at me because I was in the same room as her. She got home from school and was sorting through her bag in the family room and I walked into the room to grab my phone. She accused me of "following her around" and stormed up to her room.

She says I smother her, so I back off. Then I am accused of not doing enough for her. Someone please tell me this phase ends. It does end right?

The consequences are hard. I have heard it's not good to take away electronics, that it just does not work. How do you deal with the freshness? Do you ignore it or call them out on every snide comment?
I pick and choose my battles! For my 15-year old DD, she is not sassy very often so I let some of it go depending on what else is going on in her life. My 12-year old DD is much more vocal, more often. I have learned when to let it go and when to give her a consequence. And, yes, I do take away electronics. Hang in there!!!
 
It's a bit hard to tell no? Because the reaction to it was the OP starting in on taking things away and an apology letter. Wouldn't make me want to open up and discuss things even if my answer was "you know IDK I just woke up in a bad mood".

FWIW when I started my period at 13 I felt terrible and didn't want to discuss anything with my mom because I was 1) already embarrassed that I started later than my friends and 2) I sat through a dinner uncomfortable with pain radiating from my ribs to my belly in a feeling I never knew could happen but didn't know why because it was a few hours after we got home that I actually started. I don't care if that wasn't why there was a "don't feel comfortable crossing legs" it's more like what way was it handled that encouraged more open communication versus shutting down. It wouldn't be the last time I thought of that interaction the next time I had something going on. And given that the daughter called the OP on her choice to take away things and make her write an apology letter it apparently meant enough to her to keep quiet about why she felt the way she did rather than fess up to avoid such consequences. That more than anything stood out to me in why I didn't feel this was just a silly thing to gossip about on the DIS.
It wasn’t for me, no. Once they were home I think many would’ve opened up, maybe especially because of the punishments. So we see it differently, and that’s ok.
 
It's a bit hard to tell no? Because the reaction to it was the OP starting in on taking things away and an apology letter. Wouldn't make me want to open up and discuss things even if my answer was "you know IDK I just woke up in a bad mood".

FWIW when I started my period at 13 I felt terrible and didn't want to discuss anything with my mom because I was 1) already embarrassed that I started later than my friends and 2) I sat through a dinner uncomfortable with pain radiating from my ribs to my belly in a feeling I never knew could happen but didn't know why because it was a few hours after we got home that I actually started. I don't care if that wasn't why there was a "don't feel comfortable crossing legs" it's more like what way was it handled that encouraged more open communication versus shutting down. It wouldn't be the last time I thought of that interaction the next time I had something going on. And given that the daughter called the OP on her choice to take away things and make her write an apology letter it apparently meant enough to her to keep quiet about why she felt the way she did rather than fess up to avoid such consequences. That more than anything stood out to me in why I didn't feel this was just a silly thing to gossip about on the DIS.
I think the OP knows her daughter better than we do. I know for a fact that none of my daughters have any degree of modesty with period related discussions, something my husband and sons have learned to deal with. I would rather a little more decorum and not have to listen to the gory stories. Personally if it were my child she would’ve paid for the lesson herself.
 
It wasn’t for me, no. Once they were home I think many would’ve opened up, maybe especially because of the punishments. So we see it differently, and that’s ok.
Even if it was nothing in particular that was wrong you have a 13 year old girl willing to not go trick or treating with her friends, a 13 year old girl willing to have her electronics taken away which are at the heart of many pre-teens and teens alike and willing to go through what is more likely intended to be a humiliating exercise (because IMO a verbal apology is sufficient to the piano teacher) in writing an apology letter. Pure stubbornness (and I should know) doesn't usually account for no comments when the consequences are so high. Even when all was said and done the OP didn't get the answer to the question she sought from her daughter and her daughter took the consequences. So what was the lesson again?

I think the OP knows her daughter better than we do. I know for a fact that none of my daughters have any degree of modesty with period related discussions, something my husband and sons have learned to deal with. I would rather a little more decorum and not have to listen to the gory stories. Personally if it were my child she would’ve paid for the lesson herself.
I'm sure the OP does, but then again, posting such personal stuff on the DIS is going to allow for other sides and outside viewpoints regardless of the consensus or non-consensus.

The thing about these types of extra curricular activities is knowing the depth of personal interest in it. Is piano worth it to the daughter to pay for it? Or is the piano more or less something the daughter is doing because she's being told to. She's also 13 so that would weigh in. If it was a 16 year old with a job sure that changes things. But at the end of the day is the goal open communication or potentially closed one.
 
Even if it was nothing in particular that was wrong you have a 13 year old girl willing to not go trick or treating with her friends, a 13 year old girl willing to have her electronics taken away which are at the heart of many pre-teens and teens alike and willing to go through what is more likely intended to be a humiliating exercise (because IMO a verbal apology is sufficient to the piano teacher) in writing an apology letter. Pure stubbornness (and I should know) doesn't usually account for no comments when the consequences are so high. Even when all was said and done the OP didn't get the answer to the question she sought from her daughter and her daughter took the consequences. So what was the lesson again?


I'm sure the OP does, but then again, posting such personal stuff on the DIS is going to allow for other sides and outside viewpoints regardless of the consensus or non-consensus.

The thing about these types of extra curricular activities is knowing the depth of personal interest in it. Is piano worth it to the daughter to pay for it? Or is the piano more or less something the daughter is doing because she's being told to. She's also 13 so that would weigh in. If it was a 16 year old with a job sure that changes things. But at the end of the day is the goal open communication or potentially closed one.
You lost me. And that’s ok.
 
She started a job working at a day care center after school. I am hoping it sparks some joy for her. She loves little kids and they are drawn to her too. Funny thing is that she is extremely respectful to other adults. Her boss goes on and on about how wonderful and helpful she is and how the kids adore her etc.

I guess it's payback time because my dad used to always tell me "You are getting too big for your britches young lady" 😆
That’s really good to hear. It sounds like things will be fine. Hang in there!
 
Sometimes the kids themselves are looking for these limits when they’re feeling their way into teenhood
I remember a quote I can't find right now, but it was something about toddlers and teens being alike - testing limit hoping to find the secure boundaries.

I also found it pretty ironic that on one thread here last night, one poster was complaining that parents no longer parent, but here, a parent who is parenting was catching flak. I guess you can’t win!
So true!

Funny thing is that she is extremely respectful to other adults. Her boss goes on and on about how wonderful and helpful she is and how the kids adore her etc.
Yep - they hold it together "out there" and wait to fall apart in the safety net of home!
 
I remembered another story. I took my daughter to the pediatrician after hours because she wasn’t feeling well. While waiting in the lobby a little girl and her parents came they kept asking her if she had put a raisinette up her nose. She denied it every time, all the while she was producing chocolate snot. Our appointment took a while due to labs so I asked the pediatrician if the little girl really did have a raisinette up her nose and she said she sure did and it was wedged really far up there. She then said that she’s pulled out all kinds of bizarre things out of kids ears and noses.
I can't believe the pediatrician would tell you that - that's a HIPAA violation. Wonder what she tells others about your daughter?
 
Wow, that was an extreme and odd response especially since she obviously knows the correct posture. I would suggest that you consider whether she has an appropriate level of autonomy for a 13 year old. I say that because her response is toddler behavior. Toddlers behave that way because we cannot safely give them much autonomy and they want it.

Does she want to take piano lessons? I ask because my DD26 started piano lessons at six. She was committed to it for 6 years. Suddenly in 7th grade, she balked at practicing and lessons. I had to step in and point out to DH that although HE loved the piano and wanted so much for her to continue, She had reached a point where continuing was just making her hate the piano. We didn't make her finish the year, semester, or even month. We paid the teacher for the next month and let her know that we were withdrawing. Maybe your DD needs a break.
 
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They used to call it “Getting too big for their britches”. She doesn’t get to dictate who can go in which room and when, nor is she in charge. If she wants to leave a room you’re in, then fine, but don’t let her tell you what to do.
This. I am a tough cookie, so I can't relate to crying because my child told me not to go places in my own home. My child would be the one crying, because her phone would be gone for a very long time.

As for the OP, good for you! Your daughter getting bold with her piano teacher is unacceptable and you let that be known to her.

Imagine a child telling a baseball coach they want to swing the bat with only one hand. And refusing to bat the proper way? Nope. You're wasting my time. Same goes for sitting properly at the piano during a lesson. OP was being a good parent by giving a punishment.
 
Even when all was said and done the OP didn't get the answer to the question she sought from her daughter and her daughter took the consequences. So what was the lesson again?
The lesson was Mom is not going to back down. Call her bluff and she is still going to follow through. The lesson is for future situations of blatant defiance.
 
The lesson was Mom is not going to back down. Call her bluff and she is still going to follow through. The lesson is for future situations of blatant defiance.
At the surface I would agree. But no one won here and while that's not always the goal I don't see the big picture on the exact consequences given out, I don't disagree on consequences (to your point about OP being right about giving them out) on the contrary if you're going to give them you need to be consistent and follow through with them. I do however think the ones given out were not in line with the daughter's particular actions that led to it they don't match the infraction, Sam did have a good point about it. The issue was crossing legs while playing the piano but the daughter got electronics taken away, no trick or treating and a written apology letter. But how is that relating to not crossing legs while attempting to play the piano. Is this more like a "I'm the parent, you're the child you'll do as I say" moment? I mean perhaps that's what it was intended to be.

The next time this happens the daughter knows she can tough out the consequences and when the realness of the consequences was there the daughter still didn't give in and give an explanation. Like I said a 13 year old girl willing to not do social interactions both internet and in person is saying a lot. While every child is different, every stubborn child is different when you have kids willing to accept severe enough consequences to what to many is minor enough you may have to rethink if that is the path to continue and if that will give you the correction you're hoping for.

The comparison to a toddler has been done a few times in this thread but we as adults sometimes struggle with how to effectively verbalize how we feel and why we feel. If we were met with severe enough consequences how many times until we learn it's better to just not say anything, how many times do we learn to just take what we're given because that's the better alternative. So no I don't disagree with consequences, I do however disagree with how it went down and don't agree with the level of details provided in the name of "oh silly kids" I'm okay with being out there in that opinion of this.
 















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