Parenting teens is a lot!

[Thegrassroots26]

Can I just have a quick moan about teens? I love my two dearly, but boy is it draining sometimes! The different social stuff they both do, the lifts, the part time job and getting back late and that messing up dinner. Oh my god, it’s a lot. I’m a divorced mum, so no other adult to share stuff with or get a hug from when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard….
I think I need the routine to start again, summer’s felt so long and I work term time too.

It’s hard but my nest is about to become empty this September and I’m already feeling sad. Just enjoy it OP.

@SleepQuest33 ahh I’m sorry to hear that. I will try to enjoy it. Just have those moments when it’s all a lot and I just feel lost and lonely and a bit crap about it. It’s a very in between part of parenting where you are needed but you’re also not needed.

I agree with you OP,

From the endless arguments, the talking back, their phone obsessions and the worst - the sadness that they are not the sweet children they once were. It is very lonely, as all answers to questions are one word answers.

God yes. But then aren't they sometimes caring, insightful and hilarious every now and then? I think you have to cut them (and yourself) a whole lot of slack. Look at who they are, think of their accomplishments and pat yourself on the back every time for achieving this despite the constant battles, one word answers and general teen angst. Extra curricular activities and part time jobs?... Parenting high five to you op for you are raising well rounded, responsible adults to be. They probably (definitely) don't thank you enough but you are still the hero to them that you were 10 years ago. They just don't show it as much. You have to tell yourself you are doing an amazing job and accept your parenting medal🏅

Thanks both for your posts @SummerHouse @Silverfoxlady

Very true about patting ourselves on the back. It feels thankless a lot of the time and important to recognise how much you’ve done and how far you’ve come.

Also divorced and my teens are with me all the time (long story!). I was just telling someone today how mentally and physically shattered I was after summer holidays, it's definitely more intense in those weeks of them being home all the time. Just a solidarity post - and agree with PP about cutting yourself some slack. I'm trying to do the same! And well done us for surviving another week

@ikeepforgetting definitely! I think the routine of school/college/work will be tiring, but in quite a different way to the unstructured form of weeks of holidays. Good luck with it! We do deserve bloody medals I think! Unsung heroes

Totally empathize but also when they’re gone ….. I am dreading that