How to be a lovely parent to teenager?

[Mrsfloss]

When dd was younger. I got loads of advice on making her childhood special and magical.

Any tips on doing the same with teen to get her off screens and which won’t result in death stare!

Different stage of parenting and I can’t help pine for the days of carpet picnics, reading storys and pjs on at 6pm!

Davros - yes and no.
one thing I have learnt is that I can make situations worse or better, and many times I, as the adult, do have the choice to let things go, to show love even when they are unloveable, to choose to put aside the irritation, and give love.

I can still reach out, again and again and again, because they are my child, and if I don't, well, no-one else is.

Of course there are the extremes and my heart has gone out to some of those on the teenagers threads, but most kids aren't at the extremes. They are just muddling along as we are.

And even those who do reject, need to hear, in the middle of their rejection, that your love isn't going to go away, and that hime is a safe place to come back to.

steppemum well said, you are so right.**
I just feel for some parents (could be me one day) who would read this thread and think we’re a bunch of smug fuckers who haven’t had too many challenges.**

Oh I meant to say thank you to @hmmmmm for the fold down desk suggestion. She did have one underneath a cabin bed, but now has a large single bed (MUJI bed) so there isn’t actually enough wall space for a desk even a fold down one. A fold UP one might work..

Back to topic - tonight she let me get in bed with her and chat and cuddle then she didn’t want to let me go! A year or so ago I would have been moaning about having to get on with things.. now I’m enjoying it while it lasts!

Not ever saying no. Being part of the figuring out.

Aw GrumpySquirrel that's so sweet.

How about this? GrumpySquirrel

Sorry meant something like this GrumpySquirrel.

If you can afford it, I'd definitely say take her on a little trip! I used to love weekends with my mother when I was younger, it was sometimes abroad but other times it was in the UK. I found this blog post recently: www.proudmummy.com/blog/23828/how-to-travel-on-a-tight-holiday-budget and it might give you some ideas if you go away!! I love Berlin and Krakow if you need an idea of somewhere to go! I also love York or Birmingham (for shopping!) x

I have got some new ones:

Listening to audible books together at night.

Watching love island together even though it’s everything I hate and stand for.

Taking teen and friends McDonald’s and ping funny voices at drive through!

OMG what is it with teens and Love Island. Can't see the appeal at all but like you say it's sitting with them and being together and then we have something to chat about.

Try Ackley Bridge too. It's my and DD's programme