The Benefits of Teenagers! Payback time.

[Milliways]

Today (my Birthday) DH & I are being driven by DD to a local restaurant and she will pick us up later

No taxi fees & we can both drive.

Need a few more nights like this to strat to recuperate the insurance costs....

What benefits are you finding?

Another one for me is decent adult conversations as well as (sometimes) enjoyable girly shopping trips.

[Squirdle]

Aww that's lovely! My teen is only 15 atm, but he is lovely and pretty much always is. I haven't seen many benefits like yours yet (mainly cos he can't drive yet ) but he is fab with his little brothers (6 and 4)...he has been busy all evening building a fabulous lego lorry with DS2 this evening. We also can now go out of an evening (though I won't go far yet) when the small boys are sleeping....not that it happens often!

Enjoy your evening!

[Squirdle]

Ooh and yes, I can have a decent conversation with him. DH works away a lot, so DS is good company and can be very funny

[brimfull]

aww that's lovely milliways

can't wait for dd to pass her test,she failed this week.

I love teens,dd and I get on really well ..she's a real laugh and great to shop with.

Alos good for housework and babysitting.

[Lilymaid]

DS2 has just passed his test, so we are looking forward to him giving us lifts back from pubs, restaurants etc. As long as he doesn't replicate his brother's achievement of crashing my car within 2 weeks of passing the test
DS1 started work in September and has paid for bottles of wine when we go out for meals.
NO DDs so no nice shopping trips or girlie talk for me.

[Milliways]

Thanks everyone

Just got back from a lovely Indian. Over last glass of wine we phoned DD and she arrived within 10 mins and drove us safely home.

Squirdle - it's great when they loom after their siblings isn't it! DD & DS have really blossomed in their relationship over the last 2 years (5 year gap). She can help him with homework etc but they do have a laugh together now,

ggirl - DD failed 1st test as well! She was also extremely nervous in our old car compared to nice new instuctors car - but we can afford to insure this one with her as named driver so that's what she drives. She has also been the one driving friends home from town after a night at a club as se doesn't drink (yet?).

Lilymaid - shopping with a girl gets expensive! However, I am loving DS growing up as well

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

For those with teenagers just passed or about to pass their driving tests - please expect them to have at least minor shunts in the first few months. Both of my boys did - nothing serious, and no need for insurance claims (older cars, not worth the bother) but stupid lack of attention. Of course, if they don't crash, that's a bonus - but at least if you're expecting it (though don't let on that you are) you can just sigh heavily rather than get hysterical.

[BitOfFun]

My dd is only just coming up to 13 but I really appreciate her help with dd2, and what bloody good company she is...I love feeling so close to her, I think this age is fantastic!

[Milliways]

OldLady - yes, most of DD's friends have had some sort of accident, and some even had write-offs! Can't understand why so many of them get brand new cars as presents either? DD gets use of an R Reg

[Remotew]

I can remember a few shunts when I first past my test as a teen.

I wonder if its set in stone that all teens retreat and if so when? I'm still waiting for this with DD at almost 15. I try and encourage her to cut the apron strings a little. She would happily hang around with me 24/7. She is going out to see a film tonight herself and 4 boys. They are fussing over her and making sure she gets home safely.

Starting to think I shouldn't have pushed now.

[Milliways]

She'll have a great time

DD didn't retreat - more bury herself with her books/studying every night, but still missed her around in lounge etc.

[Remotew]

That's good to know. DD reads and studies in the lounge atm. Glad I haven't got one that is out at every opportunity leaving me worrying about what's going on. I realise how lucky I am.

Nice to know she is making new friends. I'm sure she will benefit from all the attention tonight.

[smudgethepuppydog]

Getting home yesterday after getting up very early (6am) to drive DD to the regional swiming champs to discover that in our absence DS (17) had emptied the dishwasher, hoovered through, dismantled DD's old bed, assembled her new one, mowed the lawn and walked the dog.

No, he is not available for hire!

[Milliways]

Wow Smudge 0 That's fab!