Teenagers!!!

Teenagers!!! I’ve just got to say something about them…to get it off my chest: they’re just so bloody amazing sometimes! Quite often actually. To be honest, I haven’t wanted to mention it in case of repercussions (demands for a raise in pocket money, for example.) However, I really feel that I have to come clean and admit, that while teenagers have the ability to annoy the crap out of us, they are also flipping brilliant. Not just mine, many, many teenagers.

Firstly, they come to my rescue with the t.v., specifically remote controls: five of them…I have no idea why we need 5 remotes, but they know. One shout of: heeeelp! and at least two or three teenagers appear and they are happy to try to work out the problem too. They are willing at a time when I am losing the will and I really love them for that.

Then there’s the times they cook for me. Scenario: stressful day, I’m feeling guilty as it is for f##king up somewhere…a planner unsigned or a letter forgotten and daughter 1 will text: shall I cook tonight? Yes! Yes please, because I have had a really shit day and you have no idea how much your text means to me. Even packed lunches will be made if I ask and combine it with a look of pity.

  All made by daughter 1…I looked particularly pitiful on this occasion, with                             a  glass of wine in my hand and sunglasses on

They babysit. Not just their younger siblings and other people’s rugrats for money, but some teenagers I know pick brothers and sisters up from school and take on quite a lot of responsibility, at a fairly young age.

While I’m at it, I want to shout about all the teenagers who are child carers. Those children who have a parent who really need their help and are not just whingeing that they are stressed – what a bloody amazing job they do! My heart aches for them that they may be missing out on stuff their friends are doing, but my heart sings for what it means to that person they are caring for and what they are undoubtedly gaining from doing it.

I am incredibly impressed with how my teenagers deal with exam stress. I was so bad at this one. I went into melt down at year 7 exams, but you guys have it sorted: revision (revition – you applied a rule, just the wrong one) folders, flash cards, face time friend work buddies… I admire you because you have it all worked out and under control. I will just buy you vitamin water and maltesers to get through the worst bits. I’m a good mum 😃 (I will then get cross that you finish all the treats on day 1…)

                                       First subject to revise: English

What about how they deal with friends and specifically other girls. Oh my they can be cows. I admire teenager girls for dealing with other girls. I can’t comment on teenage boys, as I have none. However, I suspect that their experiences with friends are very different. Girls require the diplomacy of Donald Trump’s hairdresser, the patience of parents at Peppa Pig World and the thick skin of a politician. We can only hope that our daughters will grow up having high self esteem and courage of their convictions.

So, here’s to teenagers: you make us angry, you make us cry, but as long as you keep making us dinner from time to time and making us laugh, we will all stumble through (with the odd bruise).