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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Flip

Original poster

FGS. DS is so dramatic. Any tips on tactics?

21 replies

Sparklingbrook · 08/12/2013 16:57

His team lost at footy. So he stomps home (DH had driven him there and was still there watching).
Then I get a ten minute shouty monologue about all the unfairness of it all, to which I remain silent. (Best way)

Then he yells 'WELL THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT' and stomps off up to his pit.

I need to ask him if he has any homework.

How do you deal with the teen-boy dramas?

OP posts:

KrabbyPatty · 08/12/2013 17:10

Haha Sparkling, I have one of those. I have no advice but I have found laughing definitely does not help.

He is in a very difficult mood this weekend. His mocks start tomorrow, so I'll put it down to stress and not that he is the devil incarnate.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 08/12/2013 17:12

OMG yes. Laughing. Not good.

OP posts:

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 08/12/2013 17:17

Apparently we never listen to ds3, always interrupt him, always speak rudely to him and never, ever listen to him. We are the worst parents in the world. Did I mention that we never listen to him?

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 08/12/2013 17:19

Handing over an Oscar would probably be a slightly inadvisable move, too. Like poking an angry bear with a pointy stick...

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 08/12/2013 17:26

That's brilliant SDTG-he would explode with rage.

No we don't listen either apparently. Even though I sat there listening to him shouting about the match/ref/defence/coach/the unfairness for ten minutes.

OP posts:

MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 08/12/2013 17:34

I'd let him stew tbh - if he's a teen he's old enough to sort out his own homework and I have an absolute abhorrence of being a scapegoat for someone else's issues. I'm dreading DD becoming a teen because she's dramatic enough already, the DSs are pretty laid back Generally if the DSs (aka DS2) get the hump I tell them to take it to their rooms and come back when they feel like being rational or when they fancy a hug. Luckily DS2 likes hugs

lambbone · 08/12/2013 17:35

I don't see why you shouldn't take the mick (not nastily) if a family member is being ridiculous. Should you not be teaching teens to see themselves as others see them?

Stricnine · 08/12/2013 18:01

taking the mick invariably backfires in our house! it's alright for DD to e a drama queen about the smallest little issue... but if I even consider doing the same .... woe betide me!

I just ignore it (when I can) but usually end up putting my foot well and truly in my mouth :)

Musicaltheatremum · 08/12/2013 18:01

My son was like this. You had to let him get it out his system then he would calm down.. He's 18 and better now and away from home. Still indignant at times over things though.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 08/12/2013 18:02

I did ponder saying 'It's just a game'

OP posts:

MrsBright · 09/12/2013 13:06

Always let them rant at you. Without interrupting the flow.

They are being crazy irrational and you wont stop the flow, just wind them up. After the rant (and optional storming off etc), wait about 15 minutes and calmly offer something neutral - 'Dr Who starts in ten.' or 'Want a sandwich, I'm making one for Dad' or whatever. This gives them a 'join in without loosing face' option (important).

Only much later should you talk about the original rant - not the footie itself - and why that isnt acceptable behaviour ('we all get disappointments' etc).

secretsantasquirrels · 09/12/2013 13:41

Deal with it as you would a toddler tantrum. Calm, quiet. smile and nod. Then when he runs out of steam a big hug.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 09/12/2013 13:48

I do have to try not to laugh mid rant.

I think you are right MrsB-divert attention exactly like a toddler secret.

OP posts:

Theas18 · 09/12/2013 17:42

I remember this well. Bot so much ranting here but a lot of storming about under his own personal black cloud!

It does fade with age. DS is 17 and it hasn't happened for ages

Preciousbane · 09/12/2013 17:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 09/12/2013 18:05

YY no swearing. He's a good lad really.

He came downstairs after a ranty shower, and seemed a bit better. Then the Homework was mentioned which cause Rant #2.

He's ok so far this evening though.......

OP posts:

JohnnyUtah · 10/12/2013 14:30

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 10/12/2013 14:34

And on no account order this for said teenager for christmas.

OP posts:

Deathwatchbeetle · 11/12/2013 08:39

tbh a few grown men act like this when their team loses!

tinselkitty · 11/12/2013 08:54

To be fair I'm 32 and still enjoy a good rant about things that annoy me (although I'm not cross at the person I'm ranting at DH)

My DH is very good, he sits, listens, occasionally smiles then asks me if I'm feeling better when I'm done.

I imagine letting them get on with it then carrying in as normal once they're done is a good way if dealing with it.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 12/12/2013 17:53

I never have a rant out loud. Perhaps I should start. He has been rant-free for 2 days so I am guessing we are due one.....

OP posts:

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