It’s a funny world we live in, when you first have a baby, everyone and anyone will give you their advice or thoughts but just how much information have you found or read on parenting teens?
I mean, babies are cute but the lack of sleep is hard work, then they learn to talk, walk and start to grow and at this point you spend hours worrying if you are stimulating them enough or creating the right memories for them. Then overnight they turn into teenagers and it is like a whole new learning curve!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this stage. Both Kayleigh and Ethan are pretty much a pleasure to be around (most of the time!) however, there are lots of things I didn’t consider. Here are the top things I have learnt about parenting teens so far.
They are bloody expensive!
Oh my god, if you thought having a baby was expensive, this is nothing compared to the cost of parenting a teen. From food costs to clothing costs and beyond, everything is so much more expensive.
The back-to-school shop cost a small fortune as our 12-year-old is now a size 7 feet! No more junior sizes allowed, so the shoes and trainers were all from the adult section,…. ouch!
They eat so much food…
So, long gone are the days when you can make the meals stretch as the small stomachs only had a little portion.
Oh no, these 2 have full-blow adult portions and nothing left. Not to mention the huge bowls of cereal that they eat or the endless amounts of fruit we go through.
Also, there is no hiding the treats, these kids find everything!
Then, when you head out to eat, no more cheap kids’ meals. They are on the adult portions too.
They still need reminding of daily hygiene!
Even now, at 12 & 14, I still have to remind them to brush their teeth, wash and put on deodorant. I always thought as they got older they would just get into a routine and it would be one less thing for me to worry about, however, this is not the case.
Eventually, they learn to sleep
This is the one thing you will be pleased to hear, there will be a time when they get the hang of sleeping.
Now, there is just one drawback to this.
Before they used to be in bed by 7 and up at 6 the next day. Now unfortunately on a weekend go to bed at 10.30ish and sleep in till about 10 the next morning. So there is no peace in the evening however, there is a slower start in the morning.
Everyone has to learn to deal with hormones
When they are younger, children either behave or just have a moment of naughtiness. As they get older, they tend to behave more but hormones come into the mix.
Thankfully there has never been a big outburst of emotions or hormones here but it is hard watching them navigate through a new approach to life. Before you were there to help them deal with things, make sure you got them from point A to B and plan things out for them. Then there comes a day when they are able to do those things without you and start to navigate this scary thing called life!
You need to learn to let go… a little
I found it really hard when both Kayleigh and Ethan started high school. It was a big step for them to walk the mile or so to school every day and take responsibility for getting their lunch sorted and talk to teachers on their own if there are any issues with their homework etc.
All of the above were things I would be sorting out for them as we went along but now I am having to learn to let go a little and let them learn some independence. Do you know what? It is hard, even now, they are still my babies and I want to do what I can to protect them at all costs.
This is a great stage in life
I know it can be tough, it is emotional at times as you watch them transform but take a moment to appreciate everything you have achieved.
You have grown these from little babies to these mini adults and all your love, attention and teaching have brought them to this point.
It is great being able to have conversations with them and enjoy shared interests in life. It is moments such as everyone laughing Ethan’s voice breaking and him squeaking when calling Kayleigh for dinner or Kayleigh telling us she has put herself forward for house captain that will stay with you forever. They are not moments for others, but ones for you to hold close to your heart and remind yourself that you have done a good job raising such an amazing human or two!
