Any advice on how to surive the teenage years?

**emily_hope** · 06-13-2008, 09:47 PM

I've always had very good DDs. These teenage years seem to be so stressful. Not that they are being bad, I just stress over everything.

**Susanscraps** · 06-13-2008, 09:55 PM

I hear you Emily! My kids are 20,18,15 and 13. Tonight 75% of them are out of the house. I always feel so much better when I hear them come home. I just pray a lot!
I do try and remember what I felt like when I was a teen, and know that they are sometimes stressed over things, too.....
Just wanted to add that maybe someone who has grown kids can calm our fears!

**maryhannahkali** · 06-13-2008, 09:59 PM

My nearly-18 year old says now that she's a teenager, I've become bi-polar.

Ahhhh........we'll all get through it, right?!

**YankeeMom** · 06-13-2008, 10:30 PM

I'm right there with you. Mine are 16 & 13yo girls (and I have 10yo & 6yo boys to still go through). I'm so stressed it's not even funny. And my 16yo recently got her first "real" boyfriend. OY!

**emily_hope** · 06-13-2008, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by YankeeMom

I'm right there with you. Mine are 16 & 13yo girls (and I have 10yo & 6yo boys to still go through). I'm so stressed it's not even funny. And my 16yo recently got her first "real" boyfriend. OY!

My DD18 'had' a boyfriend. They had a 2 year long relationship and broke up 3 weeks ago. She was devastated! She didn't eat for 3 days! And she weighs less than 100 pounds and wears size 0!

**jamie79** · 06-13-2008, 10:42 PM

I have a 19 yr old and a 16 yr old. Both boys. For the most part I enjoy them at this age. You just have to make the rules clear, keep the lines of communication open and not so much "parent" them as to guide them to make good choices on their own

**JerryG** · 06-13-2008, 10:43 PM

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??

**mom2matty** · 06-13-2008, 10:45 PM

I'm there too! My oldest is almost 21 (couple of weeks) and she was actually pretty easy to deal with but she makes me crazy....she is always on the go and rarely at home anymore! I also have a 14 yr. old ds who I would like to either lock in his room or send to his Grandmas until he is 21!!!

**emily_hope** · 06-13-2008, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by jamie79

I have a 19 yr old and a 16 yr old. Both boys. For the most part I enjoy them at this age. You just have to make the rules clear, keep the lines of communication open and not so much "parent" them as to guide them to make good choices on their own

This is exactly what I am trying to do.

**LuvMyHubby** · 06-13-2008, 11:37 PM

LOL, yes..it does get better. They somehow go from being smart mouth thirteen years olds to twenty two year olds who oddly enough you start to like again and better than that, every so often, in not so many words they kind of tell you that you were right sometimes.

**Megareader** · 06-13-2008, 11:46 PM

My dd is now 19 1/2. She is much easier to deal with now. 13 to 18, on the other hand, were...interesting. I like 19. I'm not living on Excedrin so much now.

**IntlMom** · 06-13-2008, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by emily_hope

My DD18 'had' a boyfriend. They had a 2 year long relationship and broke up 3 weeks ago. She was devastated! She didn't eat for 3 days! And she weighs less than 100 pounds and wears size 0!

Didin;t they just break up and get back to gether again a few months ago???? Hope it all turns out ok!

**Ilovesewing** · 06-13-2008, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by JerryG

However, keep a picture of when they were new born near by. It'll actually make you giggle.

LOL About 1 1/2 years ago, when ds was 18 1/2, we took his graduation picture which hangs above the fireplace and replaced it with an adorable picture from when he was 2. Friends came in and saw it hanging there next to his sisters graduation picture and asked me what was up. I told them it was so we remember that he really is cute and how much we've always loved him

There are 20 and 22 now, and have both grown up immensely. They are truly a joy to be around. Don't worry - you'll get through it. I promise

**zakity** · 06-14-2008, 12:49 AM

Oh man... I am having a time with my boys. They are 12, 10, and 10. I am dreading the next few years.

I have been joking around that I am moving out into a pink house with pink lace curtains with ruffles and huge flower beds. And, a huge sign on the door saying "No Boys Allowed!!".

**Daisygirl** · 06-14-2008, 06:17 AM

My daughter turns 13 in a week. Her favorite line when I tell her she is a smart a$$? "It's better than being a dumb a$$!"

I think I am in big trouble!

Hang in there EmilyHope, you are a great mom.