What was your relationship like with your only child in their early teens?

[mildlysweaty]

Hearing from friends how evil their 14yos are (not only children). My 7yo is the most loving and affectionate being and we have a beautiful bond, she’s a mummy’s girl but also adores her dad. She has sass etc but a lovely child. I’m wondering whether the preteen/teen years are any different (in terms of relating to their parents) when you only have one child?

My 14yr old is awesome. He’s kind, funny and affectionate - with teens you have to flex the things they’ll enjoy with you, and change the times of day you expect to interact.

He has no interest in chatting early evening but at 10pm he could talk for an hour. He used to like comedy shows that we like, he no longer wants to watch them with us but loves The Traitors.

I’m sure every parent/ child relationship is different but my dd15 and I have an amazing bond. She has a great relationship with her dad too.

Our house is very calm, rarely an even slightly raised tone. Dd and I spend a lot of time together, theatre, sports trips, holidays, cafes, shopping etc. for the past two years she’s taken a fried on holiday with us and it’s been wonderful!
I think because I’m calm and not stressed she is too. We’re very open with each other. She’s super affectionate and still wants kisses and cuddles. I’ve never had to ground her or take her phone etc.

DD is 15 and we have a very strong bond. Yes, she has her moments but nothing even close to any kind of falling out or big problem. She is very open, tells us (well, me a bit more than DH) everything, and all in all it’s really good. Nothing like my relationship with my mum which didn’t really blossom until I was well into adulthood.

These are heartwarming - thank you. I woke up to a letter from her about how I’m the best person ever invented 😂. I’m keeping it forever. She’s booted her dad out our room and probably spends more nights in my bed than he does - we are so close and I really hope I can always be someone she trusts and knows won’t ever judge her. Although our bond is solid, she’s very securely attached and loves heading off to play dates without a parent etc.

I’m so pleased to hear how you all have such lovely
relatoonships with your teens 🥰

When I look at the people I know and like, I only know a couple who dislike their teens. The rest like them, love them and want to sorbs more time with them.

I have hope for my own!

Late teens more tricky, but it was mostly down to having to help with health condition and form part of uni safety plan. As he reached 20, he handled it better and I could let him be more independent after gap year travelling. All this said, we have always talked and I can be his confidant about girlfriends and DH can console if essays causing grief. For other stuff he has friends.

They love their teens unconditionally, it’s more that the behaviour is devastating (really mean words, wanting to be alone etc)

They love their teens unconditionally, it’s more that the behaviour is devastating (really mean words, wanting to be alone etc)