Just a thread for when teenagers are being lovely.

[annandale]

Not being smug - DS is only 13 and i've read a lot of threads by parents of 15 year olds etc saying 'he was lovely at 13'

But just to remind myself, one day in the future when he's being a pain, of just how nice teenagers can be.

He no longer needs me to wipe his arse, entertain him 24/7 or prevent him from certain death every 2 minutes.
He's not cuddly exactly but if we are both sitting on the settee he will drape his legs over mine, and he still will tolerate wants a goodnight kiss before he goes up.
He will ask us how we are and if we had a good day sometimes
He is starting to do his chores without being constantly nagged.
Ditto homework - he may do the absolute minimum but he DOES it.
He's a good friend and has some good mates he does nice things with.
He doesn't seem to be particularly into romance yet so there is no huge drama.
He's quite good at being polite and basic social niceties for a short time.
He loves his screen time and is no doubt watching all sorts of stuff we'd rather he didn't but it's really great when he shows us some stupid joke or other and we all have a giggle.
He's rather paternal about me and will check I have my keys and phone before leaving the house

Tell me nice things your teenager does

I was a nightmare but I teach 18-19 year olds and some of them are amazing. I just love to see their minds developing and the enthusiasm they have for their degree subject. In a small seminar last week we had a fantastic debate about censorship and free speech. They were so passionate and aware, it really gives me hope for the future.

I have a 14.5 year old and he has a cracking sense of humour. When I'm not yelling at him for being a complete slob, he is making me laugh.

Lovely thread.

I love this thread.

My teenagers are fantastic. I was dreading this time, so many warnings, and I had a bad relationship with my mother as a teenager, my sister left home and married at 16 too, so lots of angst and arguments.

But this has turned out to be the best time of parenting. I can't remember when there was a cross word in the house. My teens ( 16 and19) are lovely. Hard working, polite, great sense of fun, they have lovely friends, helpful around the house, affectionate, and just amazing to be around. They fill the house with laughter.
DS and I sometimes have a duvet afternoon if he has no lectures or work, recently he wanted me to watch Hot Fuzz, he brought through a tray of tea and Jaffa cakes and his duvet so we could cuddle up on the sofa. Just perfect.
I went on holiday last year with 16 yo DD to Greece and we had an amazing time- I was touched to see her Instagram post to her pals saying "the best time of my life".

Yes- teens are amazing.

DS is 14 and easier and more fun to have around than he has ever been. He is helpful - puts the rubbish out, helps carry the shopping in, hoovers, is not at all untidy, complements my cooking, no longer needs to be nagged to complete homework and even did some revision before the pre Easter tests without needing reminding. He can be very funny and now we can enjoy the same to shows ( well some of them! - like question time ) and discuss them adult to adult. I went for a walk yesterday, just down by the local canal, and he came with me and we had a lovely talk. Usually I go on my own, I'm hoping that he will do this again occasionally! He is not perfect, but on the whole he is lovely. As yet he has no interest in girls so no issues so far on that front!

Secondary teacher here. Most teenagers are lovely, honest, kind, and well intentioned. Even when they are a bit of a nightmare, it is usually because they are trying to find their own boundaries or are reacting to things that are happening which they are not in control of.
I love teenagers.

mackerelle- that's such a lovely post.

My teenagers have secondary teachers that they adore, it's clear to them the teachers who have a genuine concern and love of their vocation.
Thank you on behalf of parents.

We as parents have to adapt and appreciate the need for teenagers to start claiming control in their lives. ( In fact I could say the same for two year old - the so called terrible twos - a phrase I hate) Teenagers can rebel when their need for independence and control is not recognised. Of course there are other reasons too, but parenting teens is a two way street. Authoritarian, libertarian or neglectful parenting is going to cause problems.
Keeping communication lines open is paramount. Listening and respect is always going to win.

I found them tween years 10-12 a lot harder than the teenage years.

My teenagers are kind, loving, great company and really make me laugh. I much prefer this to the toddler years!

Two DS aged 13 and 17! They drive me mad but yesterday joined me and OH for a BBQ and my eldest even got up to make everyone drinks.

My eldest is quiet and secretive but my youngest is full of beans. Both 6 foot and lovely. Can't wait to see the men they become.

I'm lucky really if I ignore their bedrooms.

My 16 year old makes me tea and always asks how my day was. He also notices if I'm a bit fed up and asks about it. He was more of a nightmare at 10 than he's been in the years since

My 14 year old is great company - we laugh a lot, and it's a good ice-breaker if he's moody. If I can manage the right joke at the right time...

I also really like their teachers. They seem so enthusiastic and to have a 'handle' on them

Found this message on my phone from my 16 yo DD the other week,
"Hi mummy, if ever you find this I just wanted to say how much I love you" Cute or what