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Original poster

Anyone else with Preteens absolutely terrified of the teenage years to come? Who can tell me some great stories about teenagers?!

30 replies

TheAirbender · 14/03/2021 05:39

I've spent the weekend reading the articles around 'Everyone's Invited' and feeling very despondent. I have two sons, the oldest is 10 and I am truly fearful of what his teenage years will be like. Does anyone else feel like this? Do I only hear the bad stories about teen life? What is good? Help!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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JourneyToThePlacentaOfTheEarth · 14/03/2021 09:23

My DS are 15 and 16. Great friendship group. Active. Independent. Funny. Noisy. Bed times are difficult. They've been great during lockdown. Teenage years more intense with eldest who has adhd but so far so good.v proud of them

ScatteredMama82 · 14/03/2021 09:29

This is a great thread, very reassuring thank you! My eldest is 11. Got all this to look forward to 🙈

UglyHoose · 14/03/2021 09:33

Between us we have four ranging from 16 - 22 and they are fab. The odd strop / moodiness here and there but they are funny, kind, curious, intelligent, compassionate and thoughtful.

I also work with teenagers, and in the main, find them to be the same - even those that many would class as 'difficult'.

They get better with age IMO, although I do yearn for the days when I could cuddle them and read them a story.

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Original poster
TheAirbender · 14/03/2021 14:47

Thank you everyone for putting me more at ease, such a helpful thread.

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Kokomelonn · 23/12/2024 21:28

Netaporter · 14/03/2021 06:43

Mine is great company DD15. She’s funny, smart, thoughtful and kind. I have very few (if any) complaints at all. I enjoy spending time with her. I would say she has been expected from an early age to understand that life does not resolve around just one person or children, but the whole family and there is give and take - what music is in the car/what to watch on tv etc...and although it’s not a boot camp, helping a child understand that there is not an army of servants that make a house run is also a valuable life lesson and reduces flashpoints for conflict. She is expected to help load/unload the dishwasher/help clear the table at the end of a meal , bring down laundry, help put away the weekly shop, feed the dog/ organise his food. She is also expected to organise herself for school or take the punishment for not doing/remembering kit (I’m not running around bringing forgotten PE kits as I work). She is able to make herself basic meals. We also eat dinner together every night and this is non-negotiable as having a chat together every day as a family I think is one of the single most important things you can do for a child. Let them listen to your opinions/views and listen to theirs. However hard, do not break their trust when they tell you the latest gossip/news - teens exaggerate massively Wink. We have a no phones or tech in a bedroom at night policy here...I’m completely convinced an uninterrupted night’s sleep is vital to raising a balanced child. She is allowed to travel to meet friends by herself and has the ability to manage her own money to give her a decent amount of independence. I think start with giving some consideration to what you’d like your boys to be like as a teen and start early. I also know sons of friends who are equally lovely so it’s not just a girl thing.

Also, enjoy them at every age! I’ve not read the article, but I’ve really loved every minute of being a parent - be in the moment and don’t stress too much about the future.

You clearly have only have one child 😂

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