Just how bad are the teenage years... honestly?

[jennywren08]

Just looking for some honest accounts of what it's like having teens, always hear people saying how tough it is but wanted to know why and whether there are any positives as well?

I've got 3!
They are funny, sulky, messy, loving, self obsessed, and fill the house with laughter.
They all are very sporty, this has been a huge blessing. I see friends with teens who spend 50% of the day in front of a screen and they seem to struggle much more.
I have zero tolerance for rudeness and high expectations for helping out (they all cook once a week, do their own washing and wash up).
I try and have fun times with them and go the gym together, eat together and go to concerts etc.
They do drink and have tried dope but aren't excessive.
I will miss them when they leave.

This is a lovely thread.

@Waitingfordoggo we sound very similar- I’m in the toddler years now and he is SO delightful (when he’s not tantrumming) and I’m lucky he’s such a happy-natured wee thing but oh I am exhausted all the time and so stretched thin. I need my sleep (he’s a 5.30am riser), I’m someone who needs alone time to decompress (as well as a social life!), I don’t enjoy being always on the go and the to-do list is overwhelming. It’s hard work!