Some Ramblings About Raising Teens (I Need Some Help)

[Soccermom-Cheri]

Yeah, well how come my mom is not reaping these rewards. My mom always tells everyone what an easy child I was and she did not have all the *issues* I'm having. So why am I being punished?

Me, too! Me, too! I was such a pleaser, could never stand anyone being mad at me, always did as I was told, etc. My kids? Could give a rip.

caitycaity hit on the materialism. Where I live, kids spend Spring Break in Cabo and ski in Colorado or Utah ... every year. You see where I'm goin' here.... We tried to enjoy our hard earned lifestyle and ... oops! spoiled them along the way.

I'm going to try some of these suggestions -but I don't think it's going to change DS's overall attitude. Do I really have to spend the next 5 (or 7) years on the brink of ki^^ing the kid?

If "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", after this I'm gonna be Wonder Woman!

 

[Nancyg56]

Yeah, well how come my mom is not reaping these rewards. My mom always tells everyone what an easy child I was and she did not have all the *issues* I'm having. So why am I being punished?

That is because we also have selective memory. I only need to remember the issues that I want to remember, as is convenient for me at the time. You see, once you have grandkids, it is win-win...you don't have to keep em, you don't need to raise em, you get to enjoy antics that would have given you a coronary, and you FINALLY get to enjoy watching their parents deal with issues that you claim you never had.

All kidding aside, parenting is not "fun". It is especially difficult today, because parents are dealing with so many different parenting styles and values, so maintaining the structure in your home is harder that it ever was. When my own were teens, they had less freedom that some of their friends, but thankfully, they were okay with that. Today, there are more corrosive factors that they deal with, along with friends whose families allow more permissive behavior than you may, so your job is even more stressful. You are being "punished" because you are parenting your daughter, not indulging a teen's need to test the borders.

As much as I love to tease my DD, and enjoy watching her DD run circles around her, I am thankful that I am not responsible for her upbringing. Your Mom is in the same boat as I am....she can rest easy with her fond memories of your childhood because her own precious DGD is in your good hands.

 

[MagicalMom]

Yeah, well how come my mom is not reaping these rewards. My mom always tells everyone what an easy child I was and she did not have all the *issues* I'm having. So why am I being punished?

Uh Oh! You might want to check, maybe your DH was rotten & received the "curse!"

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

Uh Oh! You might want to check, maybe your DH was rotten & received the "curse!"

THAT'S IT!!!!! DHwas a nightmare as a teen for his mother! But HE is largely unaware of this curse that has come over our home.

"This parent-thing just isn't working for me." My neighbor (after her son snuck out of the house) I love my kids with all my heart and soul but sometimes .... (see above quote)

 

[jlaspoq]

As much as I love to tease my DD, and enjoy watching her DD run circles around her, I am thankful that I am not responsible for her upbringing. Your Mom is in the same boat as I am....she can rest easy with her fond memories of your childhood because her own precious DGD is in your good hands.

What a lovely thought!