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Teenagers

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

Original poster

Car Journeys with teenagers!!

7 replies

rednek · 27/07/2015 12:26

Hi All,
This is for anyone with teenagers planning to take a car journey this holiday season. As a parent of dd17 and ds15 I know that holidays involving a car journey can be both hilarious and horrible, often in equal measure. So, I wrote a song about it and I'd like to share it with you all as a way of giving back - this forum has been so helpful to me! I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to share it with other parents planning to embark on a car journey with the family! Incidentally, all the sounds in the track (other than my 'singing') are from our family bus - a VW Sharan (which has seen better days!) There are a couple of swears, but, quite possibly, nothing like the tirade of that which emanates from grumpy kids 150 miles into a journey to the West Country!

OP posts:
frenchfancy · 27/07/2015 12:34

Brilliant!

Original poster
rednek · 27/07/2015 13:19

Thank you!
Do feel free to share it in your own networks. If there is enough interest, I'd like to make a proper (and amusing) video to go with it. Happy holidays!!

OP posts:
BareGrylls · 27/07/2015 15:03

Oh I thought it was going to be a conversation. Sorry but it irritated the life out of me after 15 seconds.
I love car journeys with teens. They are so much more forthcoming in the car.
On a recent trip with mine they played an advanced version of grandma went to market and went through the alphabet 3 times.

Original poster
rednek · 27/07/2015 15:24

I agree about them being more forthcoming in the car. When ours are in the right mood they can be so funny and imaginative. I think it's all about creating a positive atmosphere. It also helps if the destination is something they are excited about, of course. (Apologies if you found the song irritating - I understand it will not be to everyone's taste.)

OP posts:
rogueantimatter · 27/07/2015 17:07

Here is my feedback, parent of 18YO and 16YO who do twice yearly long car journeys with DH and me. disclaimer - wannabe critic Grin

The song reminds me of Madness....

It's too long for my taste - a bit repetitive. Sorry to be harsh.

It reminds me of journeys with younger children rather than teenagers; my 2 would get very short shrift if they asked Are we nearly there? And they wouldn't annoy each other either - they listen to music through headphones and snapchat/text/groupchat with their friends and have deep and meaningful chats or occasionally play The Minister's poop is... Blush

If they're chewing gum I leave them to it. They usually have a snooze too.

The long car journey thing is just not a problem - we've done it for so long we just get on with it......

I'm glad you've found Mnet useful btw. I think I've learnt a lot from it too.

Hope you have many more happy journeys with your family Smile

Original poster
rednek · 27/07/2015 17:19

Hi rogueantimatter,
Many thanks for your feedback. Yes, I think you are quite right, this is probably far more in-line with parents of younger children! In fact, if I think about it, the last time we had a journey like that was probably quite a few years ago - you are right, they tend to just tune in and drop off now. I suppose the thought of going on a long journey just brings back those kind of memories!

Perhaps I should re-post on a thread for parents of younger ones...

OP posts:
BareGrylls · 27/07/2015 17:25

rogue yes that's it. Those journeys with 7/9 year olds bickering in the back and me yelling at them were dreadful.
Teens are a pleasure.

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