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Teenagers

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

Original poster

How self centered/egocentric is your 18/19 year old?

6 replies

Delilahfandango · 21/02/2015 13:36

My DD19 is hugely egocentric, she's away at university and I've noticed that when we communicate it really is all about her! Now I appreciate that she is living a very exciting life now and we are the most boring people on the planet, but I feel a bit of interest wouldn't kill her!! So I just wondered if it's a common thing. I don't remember DS's being quite so self absorbed!

OP posts:
BackforGood · 21/02/2015 13:45

Mine is a ds, but I think it's fairly normal for this age.
To be fair, ds is very good (when he sees you) at noticing a new haircut or item of clothing, but he doesn't think about what we are up to while he's away, and, to be fair, nor would I expect him to really. Smile

Dwerf · 21/02/2015 13:54

Mine isn't. He's 19 and also away at uni. Whenever we skype or fb message he always asks how I am, how his sisters are. Yesterday was his older sister's birthday, he had pizza sent to her house.

His elder sister was more egocentric at that age, but now isn't so much.

fifietta · 21/02/2015 14:01

My DD isn't interested in talking to me at all Sad. I think it's normal, will improve and positive that she does share her news with you.

Original poster
Delilahfandango · 21/02/2015 14:23

She makes me laugh, she does ask how everyone is but then shows very little interest when I tell herConfused I'm having a bit of a moment - really missing her as I've not seen her since she went back after Christmas.
Dwerf - your boy sounds lovelySmile
Fifietta - is your DD at home?

OP posts:
chocoluvva · 21/02/2015 17:09

My 18YO is very good at taking an interest in us but can be a bit 'entitled' when it comes to things like asking for material stuff and wanting her room at home to be done up even though she's hardly ever in it.

But when I was her age I'm ashamed to say my DM was out of sight and out of mind.

I suppose it takes longer for some people than others...

mistymeanour · 21/02/2015 19:38

My eldest was a bit like this first year at uni when she was in (newly built) Halls. Renting a grotty house at a hugely inflated price with an unreasonable landlord etc really opened her eyes to the reality of the "outside world" and is she is so nice , helpful and solicitous of us now.

On the other hand our 19 year old who is having a "Gap year" ie. lazing around is totally egocentric, "no one else is like her" and driving us to distraction, we can only hope age will bring maturity

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