Honestly feel like I can’t handle bringing up anymore teenagers and I’ve still got 3 to go....

[Redbrickwall]

Back I’m when my offspring were small babies and toddlers, we thought it’d be an amazing idea to have a lovely big happy family - 5 children in fact.

Now that one of those children is 16 (and honestly so rude to me I can’t explain) and one is 13 years old, I am fast regretting my big family fantasy. In the last few weeks the 13 year old has developed ‘that face’, eye rolls, answering back, know-it-all and obsession with bloody Ticktock, I am actually dreading going through it again with her.

But what’s worse , is I’ve got 3 more to go

I don’t mind admitting privately here that I now question what the hell I was thinking. I don’t know why it bothers me as much as it does, but I find the constant rudeness, arrogance and atmosphere with teenagers so awful to live with that I fantasise about leaving. BTW, I wouldn’t. I also find it really affects my self-esteem and makes me question myself and feel terrible. It’s like you’re living with people who hate you!

Please give me tips on surviving it for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th time.....

I don't have any teenagers but I was one. I was the youngest of five. According to my Mum, three of us were horrors. Two of us were really easy. I was an easy one but probably because I'm a peace lover and had suffered enough trauma witnessing a shouty menopausal mother battling shouty hormonal sisters

So glad l had an early menopause cos dd will hit her teenage years at what would have been about the same time - not sure the house would have been big enough for all those hormones!!

The next time I see a thread questioning why some of us only chose to have 1 child, I shall direct them to this one.

Five teens for me 😩 I have not been without one since 2003. It is really hard going and I think people often don’t consider that when they are broody for more babies. I stopped at 3 and then acquired 2 DSS’s as my elder 2 moved out.

I would agree with picking your battles, it took me time to realise that, basic ground rules though around manners, curfews etc are really important. Also don’t let them divide you and DH/DP, back each other in front of the children, discuss issues in private.

Only one left now so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

@trappedsincesundaymorn
Seriously I’m so jealous - you made exactly the right decision!!!

I am SO glad I started this thread. I honestly feel really really relieved to read all of it. Thank you so much to all of you - we will get through it!!!

Will reply properly after work

I’m in the same boat. 15 year old girl, rude, ungrateful, messy and horrible to her younger siblings. Just waiting for her to come out the other side so I feel ya!!

I have two.
One at uni, one 16.
I have now realised that when there is something wrong they want you but if all is going well you are chief cook and bottle washer 😆
Ok, so that’s a bit glib, but you def have to pick your battles and don’t take anything too personally. Keep your lines of communication open - don’t pry too much (I get told I’m nosey 😆) - don’t poo-poo their problems or emotions even more importantly.
As others have said they can be a good laugh too but when it’s at your expense you have to reign it in a bit!!

I would do anything for just rudeness and eyerolling . Our DD is completely out of control if that's how you'd call it. We have done everything in terms of help, support despite many dramas where she would lie and then when we would go looking for her would be passed out drunk in some field or woods. She also has mental health issues which we have moved heaven and earth to get the best help available. The lies and manipulation continue and it has had a terrible effect on our family. We are at the stage now where she shows no regrets about her behaviour or guilt at the worry she has caused us or her siblings and has left the house after we took her phone away saying I want my phone back or else. So sorry if I am making your worries seem less, I don't mean to but try not to be upset

Op I am the same!!