Teenagers!

RE: Teenagers!

Niall Connell — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:09:48 GMT

We have two boys and a girl, well they’re adults now and we got on ok. Our youngest son involved a wee bit of extra effort at primary school because he was in a class that was described as the worst the school ever had. Peer pressure was an issue. But they all turned out fine. Someone once commented that most children enter the tunnel and cause all sorts of havoc then usually come out the other end as nice, responsible human beings. We’ve always got on fine with our kids but I considered them the real job. The day job was easy!

RE: Teenagers!

Julie Innes — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:58:56 GMT

I described having my first baby as like a bomb going off in the middle of my life! Nothing was recognisable, not even night and day, but you rebuild, and the thing you build is actually better than the original. My husband I feel suffered a bit of collateral damage, but he could patch it up, go back to work and have some semblance of normality!

When I had my second daughter 17 mths after my first, I was delighted and thought how lovely it would be to have a sister so similar in age. Can you tell I was an only child??!! They are horrible to each other! I can only hope they become close when they get older! My son is (so far!) far less bother!

RE: Teenagers!

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:52:23 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]The worst part by far for me was the 0-2 years, after that it gets better[/quote]I agree from the point of view of sleepless nights. Neither slept through the night and just as first born was getting better at 2, second borne arrived and we went though it all again for another 2 years. But even now at 31 and 29 respectively I still cant sleep comfortably unless I know they're both in and safe.

RE: Teenagers!

Anthony Todd — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:00:18 GMT

3 sons, 2 of my cars written off, one each, no injuries. Anyone beat that?

Third has learnt a lesson, and sold his Fireblade, but does L'etape du tour......

One other caveat, which you young parents will all look forward to, as they age, [both male and female] the financial support doesn't stop; just has more noughts......

RE: Teenagers!

Marie Kubiak — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:18:23 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]I worked with a receptionist at Vets Now who was also a publisher. OOH we had time to chat and she'd had 2 children and was hating it, verging on depression. She thanked me 2 years later as I was the only person who had told her that things would get easier, which they had once they could communicate with her.[/quote]

I had one wonderfully honest friend who, before my son was born, gave me a note to keep. It said 'If you have a moment when you think 'what about me?', that doesn't make you a bad mum, it doesn't undo the love you have for your child. Take it a day at a time.

p.s. it is a bit sh*t sometimes'

I am forever grateful to her as everyone else paints on a cheerful face and tells you parenting is the best thing ever and if you aren't of the same view it makes you doubt your own capabilities. I wouldn't go through those first 12 weeks again for love nor money. But having a chatty, interactive small human being is much better! Not looking forward to having a teenage boy in a few years though...

Marie

RE: Teenagers!

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:11:04 GMT

[quote user="Liz Barton"]

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]The worst part by far for me was the 0-2 years, after that it gets better [/quote]

I'm highly encouraged - my two girls are 4 and 6.

[/quote]

I worked with a receptionist at Vets Now who was also a publisher. OOH we had time to chat and she'd had 2 children and was hating it, verging on depression. She thanked me 2 years later as I was the only person who had told her that things would get easier, which they had once they could communicate with her.

Neil

RE: Teenagers!

Bob Russell — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:09:40 GMT

We have been to hell and back with our daughter. Started from about 12 yrs old. Police involvement more than once and behaviour I would not have believed

She is 19 now, back at home, working hard and back in college. We do have an early granddaughter but she can charm the pants of anyone and we love her to bits.When she gets to 12 I will make sure I spend most of my time abroad!!

Niece a year younger, not a qualification to her name, too rude for anyone to employ and borderline whether the college will have her back.

The two boys were a doddle!!!

RE: Teenagers!

Liz Barton — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:51:43 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]The worst part by far for me was the 0-2 years, after that it gets better [/quote]

I'm highly encouraged - my two girls are 4 and 6. Other than harbouring fears about issues at school (I was bullied and HATED my school years), and the occasional difficult phase where they push the boundaries, they are by far the most fun thing in my life and it just gets better and better. Not that I'd have another; 0-2 is exhausting!

RE: Teenagers!

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:17:41 GMT

[quote user="Martin Atkinson"]I'm glad I had 2 daughters when I see the issues many people seem to have with boys.[/quote]

Our son has been great. Back at home after a second year at University at the moment and pretty delightful, though beating me at table tennis yesterday wasn't a highlight.

I love the 'you wait' conservations in child upbringing. People revel in it. You have a baby and it's 'you wait to the terrible 2's', then they reach 2 and it's 'you wait till they're teenagers'

The worst part by far for me was the 0-2 years, after that it gets better

Neil

RE: Teenagers!

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:11:43 GMT

I'm glad I had 2 daughters when I see the issues many people seem to have with boys. I wouldn't say they never given us a moment's trouble but there's been little more than the occasional tantrum otherwise they have been and continue to be nothing but a delight. Daddy's girls, the love of my life and the apple of my eye.

A contentious question coming up but: how much is it down to parenting and role models? I will put on my hard hat now!

RE: Teenagers!

Julie Innes — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:50:37 GMT

No experience of that, but 14 and 13 year old girls should come with a health warning, a 2 mile exclusion zone and a volume control!

RE: Teenagers!

Iain Richards — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:37:35 GMT

Why? Clearly you've not had one or you wouldn't need to ask.

Or you have and I'm in awe of your Zen approach, teach me, Obi-Wan.

RE: Teenagers!

Clive Ansell — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:12:59 GMT

why?