What was the hardest age for your teen and you?

[Summerbreaktoday]

I find it hard since 14.5 to current 15.5. All the ups and lows, GCSE pressure, tiredness, hormones, mood swings. I am frequently worried about DD.

How did you cope and supported your teen.

Following with interest! With my boys I found 15-16 the hardest age. My DD has turned 14 and it feels like it's happening earlier with her. Surly is the word I would use to describe her at the moment!

Humour, without a doubt, has helped with all my kids. It's fine if they think it's tragically pathetic humour - it still works and lightens the mood. Problem is that sometimes it's hard to find.

Thanks. I don’t seem to find humour; just get overwhelmed with worrying; especially when they are feeling low, struggling at school or with friends and intense emotions.

I know I need to learn to handle this better

I've got 3 teens, 18, 17 and 14. It very much depends on the individual child and the parents. To a certain extent, and assuming everyone is NT, if you've put in the work before the teen years this is when you start seeing the rewards as they become increasingly independent. I've found my teens generally delightful and easy to get on with (with the odd bout of grumpiness obv.). I much prefer teenagers to babies, e.g. last night we ate a nice meal then watched a History programme together then everyone got themselves ready for bed. Bliss.

That said I'm well aware that if you have a child who is struggling with their mental health or schoolwork or socially life would be very different. But after one child who didn't sit still or do naps and another who had multiple hospital visits as a preschooler I'm enjoying this stage being easier.

I have two lovely and independent teens; but one do struggle more with school and strong emotions; but they are good and wonderful to be around when they are not dealing with school stress or intense emotions due to hormones, etc.

My two (a girl and boy) both had not very nice experiences at school in Year 9 with friendship dramas. They were miserable for a while. So I would say around 14ish?

My DD is 15 soon, and I'm hoping that this is the tricky bit! She's brilliant in so many ways, but we've had all sorts happen in the past 18 months.

Good luck. It is hard; trying to remain strong to support your child through all the ups and lows and challenges of puberty

Going through this at the moment. It is hard to watch.

Yes 14, my friend with older children warned me, it was an awful time to get through their brains seem to turn to mush ! My Dd is 34 now but i still remember it, the friends fall outs were also terrible, I felt sorry for the teachers.

So far it was 14.

but also 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18. I’m not finished yet so will report back.

Appreciate not strictly answering the question but hardest age I have found is right now, age 21. Mental health problems meant leaving uni early and no absolutely no drive or motivation. And so hard to know how much I can push him because of his depression. And now he is out of education I have no idea where to get support for him

I know. Started a 14.5, and it was fine for awhile but we are back to same at 15.5. It is hard to watch.

I think this will make me or break me. I am constantly thinking of DC. How do I remain strong for them please? 🙏

I am trying to say this too shall pass and I need to stay strong and healthy as they will need me for a long time. Easier saying than done.

Good luck, we are starting solution based hypothesis and see if that helps with mental help. It has been a rollercoaster since 14.5 for me.

I am also saying to myself. I am doing everything I can to help. I can’t do no more. They need to pull through themselves, figure it out. Love and support is all we can offer.

I have 2 boys, now 16 and 13

My eldest - at his worst, mostly hormonal def 12-14 - def less hissy fits now but also I have learnt how not to deal with a teenage boy 🙈He is more reasonable now, but still prone to being a bit of a Kevin

My 13yo has always been more chilled, so def not had same issues with him, but I feel he may push more boundaries as he gets older so we shall see

As others have said, it can really vary per child

My niece was a delight up to 11, utter nightmare 12-16….better not but only cos she had a baby and had to knuckle down…

I am not sure whether it is the umbilical cord but I seem to go through my children emotions and struggles with them.

GCSE year... so 16. I had to drag him through the exams, now we are out the other side it's great. Really enjoyed 17 and now 18. 13 -15 was fine apart from homework pressures.

14-15. It was pretty awful.

I hear you. I ask for strength, wisdom and patience every day.

We are going through a rough patch at the moment. I hope we come through the other end soon.

I understand. I’m ND, suffer from anxiety and find it really hard to switch off from whatever is going on with them. To be honest my reaction is generally disproportionate though to be honest. 😞.

Anyway, for my son it was definitely ages 14-16
Mainly due to lack of real interaction outside of the online world, but by 17 things he gradually started gaining confidence in himself. So I’d say mid teens for us.

I am trying to remain calm, positive and encouraging. Sometimes I blame myself; perhaps I oveprotec them, given them too much choice, etc.

14 for sure - worst year for both. From 16-17 onwards they become relatively normal human beings again. By 18, a pleasure to spend time with. To anyone in the thick of it…this too shall pass!

I really hope so; it is breaking me. I am finding it difficult not to take things personally and remain strong.

Yes you will have to be tough, it’s so hard but all you can do is your best and ask for help if you are not qualified in that area. You are not expected to fix everything yourself like when they were little children.

For my daughter probably 14 and 15 when she was being bullied. For my son right now at 19 due to mental health issues.