Suburban Correspondent here, ruminating (as always) on how to salvage self-esteem when surrounded by teenagers.
Sometimes, when I'm overwhelmed by all the things about my older kids I can't control - their choices, their work habits, their sleep patterns (though I give it the old college try) - I retreat into my happy space, my "what teens?" world. I focus on the 4 youngest (all the while blocking out the fact that they, too, will turn on me in time) and revel in their adoring company. My enjoyment is enhanced by the knowledge that my pleasure in the younger kids disgusts the teens, who see only peskiness where I see cuteness and innocence.
Yes, I enjoy my younger kids just to spite the older ones. I even shower the kiddies with extra treats, saying, "You love Mommy, don't you?" If one of my alienated offspring grunts, "You never let us have smoothies!" or some such complaint, I say, "I guess it pays to be loving towards Mom, doesn't it?" This, of course, is not an advised course of action in any parenting book out there; I should know, as I've read them all. But it does observe my cardinal rule for raising teens: don't take them too seriously, or they will drive you crazy.
I'm hoping that, by the time the youngest are teenagers, I'll be able to spite them by spoiling some grandchildren. And maybe even some newly grateful grown children of my own...
Ah, revenge. It's so sweet!
Posted by: Daisy | July 13, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Dreamer. You know you are a dreamer.......(remember that song?)I have no younger children tp play the what teens? game. I like the way you think, tho. :)
Posted by: JaniceNW | July 13, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I can imagine the looks you must be getting - and how hard to avoid grinning as they huff.
I was trying to find contact details for MCMM and the about page seems blank. Is it borked or is it just my connection?
Posted by: Sylvia | July 13, 2008 at 05:29 PM
It's not a good day to talk to me about teenagers--and they're all I have!
Posted by: Jenn @ Juggling Life | July 13, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Not taking teenagers too seriously
or they will drive you crazy...so true! I give this same advice to parents of teens all the time.
Once you survive this season in their lives, they will come around to liking you again and actually listen to what you have to say!
Posted by: Lori | July 14, 2008 at 08:40 PM