Help Mum of 4 teenagers

[Annielucking]

Hi I am a mum of an 18 year old girl and 15year old triplets two boys and 1 girl. I am really struggerling to ensure I give them all the support and encouragement they need at this difficult time . Some people say to me they have friends that have 4 children what’s the problem . Having 3 children the same age is very hard on a good day and impossible on a bad day. I am hoping that someone out there could either come up with some helpful solutions or even encouraging words help me I’m sinking !

No advice for you as I don't have teenagers yet, but bumping for you. I can imagine this is tough! For what it's worth you sound like a lively, caring mother although I appreciate that doesn't exactly help with the practicalities.

*lovely not lively!

I had three in their teens, 13, 14 and 19 and it was all go. DS was middle child, broody and morose, DD1 was always in the throes of some emotional drama or other, DD2 got away with lots I expect as I was too caught up in DD1’s dramas to notice.
It’s draining and the fact that you can’t ship them all off to bed then enjoy your evening to yourself, as you can when they’re younger, means you’re constantly tired.
But it gets better! Hang on in there and accept your roles as taxi driver and housekeeper because when they all leave home for uni or whatever you’ll miss them believe it or not.

That must be very hard. Do you have a partner or grandparents nearby that they can also turn to? How about the pastoral service at the children's schools? Sometimes they can offer support services to parents to.

I guess this is another parenting phase that has to be endured. My niece was a terrible teen but had really matured and turned things around by the age of 21. Hang on in there - things will get better!

Meant to also say, have a read of the 'teenagers' thread in Talk. Lots of good advice and experience there.

I have 17,16,14,12+11. Its hideous at times!!
Make sure you have some time out for yourself.. A bath with door locked saves my sanity. .