Any advice on how to surive the teenage years?

**frugalfoster** · 06-14-2008, 04:36 PM

Of all the emotional pains a child endures..it's really hard to watch when it is the pain from a loss of a relationship. I'm sorry, I hope that she is doing okay...

**Buc-O-Mama** · 06-14-2008, 06:29 PM

It's not that stressful for me yet, but I'm sure it's coming. Having 3 babies in 3 years was way harder than this has been. We've just tried to love them hard at every phase and teen years have been no different. If we can trust them to do what's right when they walk out the door, and make sure they know that we're their soft place to land I figure we're doing okay.

BTW, my DS has been way more of a drama queen (in a most masculine way, of course) since he became a teenager. I'm still waiting for boys to be easier than girls.

**brainyblonde** · 06-14-2008, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by JerryG

pick your battles. I never argued about clothes, hair or room (ok - I threatened about the room. And even delivered on that once and awhile). Curfew was not an option. His butt was in the house. I set an alarm for 10 minutes past his curfew. If the alarm went off, I was out of bed and on the phone. It's almost as bad as when they were new borns. However, keep a picture of when they were new born near by. It'll actually make you giggle. Remember feeling like your whole day smelled like poop??

OMG!! I remember the peeeeuuuuuuu days!

I agree about picking your battles. I have one son that has long curly hair and a beard, resembling the Amish.

I am more stressed now than when they were younger. When they go out with friends, I worry. They are basically good kids, but even good kids make bad choices. It may not be rational, but I am their mom. DH is much more laid back about most things.

**MysticEagle** · 06-14-2008, 09:52 PM

I have a 17yr old son. Picking battles and setting some boundaries are the main things.

Like others hair, music, and clothes are all no big deal. We have discussed no drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sex etc. But if one of those do come up then we will just have to deal with it. Once you've given all your advice and reasoning behind it then everything is up to the kid.