Teenagers force you to put some thought behind your decisions. They’re almost adults – it’s not easy being a parent to someone who is overtaking your authority.
1. I find it a little disturbing that John’s advice involves the idea that Elly will lose the upper hand over her son. I don’t think that’s how you should think of parenting.
2. I love the way Elly thinks it was better when the kids were little. She clearly has not been reading this comic strip.
3. I love the way the coffee and the newspaper magically appear in front of John after he has finished lecturing Elly on proper parenting.
Agreed, Elly. It WAS easier when kids were little. My boys were horrendous teenagers that I was SO ready for them to leave home and they did when they turned 18. I reveled in my independence and harmonious lifestyle. Well, down the road, older son moved back home and stayed for 2 years. Just when he moved out, my younger son moved back home. They grew up, matured and became reasonable adults. I still want my privacy, though. I enjoy my grandson because I never could when I was a mother. Being a grandmother rocks.
Teens like to be treated as more of an equal, rather than as a kid. I used to let my boys know how their behaviour made me feel, and how a different way of acting would have worked better for the both of us. Rarely did I have any arguments with them. They were quite reasonable young men throughout their teens (except with each other.) Then they still pushed each other’s buttons, just like they did when younger. I did my best to stay out of it and only intervened when necessary. ;-) I should also mention that I have a wicked temper, and they both learned not to set it off.
This is getting long in the tooth. Besides, there are other punishments. For example, one of the things my parents did for certain violations of house rules was that I would not get any meals made for me. In essence, if I wanted to eat, I had to make my own dinner.
First mistake is thinking you have to reason with the kid. “Because I said so.”, your house, your rules. You are the parent, you set the rules. When the kids are 18 and legally adults, tbey are more than welcome to move out on their own if they don’t like your rules.
Templo S.U.D. over 6 years ago
parenting sure is a tough job
Rosette over 6 years ago
Teenagers force you to put some thought behind your decisions. They’re almost adults – it’s not easy being a parent to someone who is overtaking your authority.
howtheduck over 6 years ago
A few notes:
1. I find it a little disturbing that John’s advice involves the idea that Elly will lose the upper hand over her son. I don’t think that’s how you should think of parenting.
2. I love the way Elly thinks it was better when the kids were little. She clearly has not been reading this comic strip.
3. I love the way the coffee and the newspaper magically appear in front of John after he has finished lecturing Elly on proper parenting.
capricorn9th over 6 years ago
Agreed, Elly. It WAS easier when kids were little. My boys were horrendous teenagers that I was SO ready for them to leave home and they did when they turned 18. I reveled in my independence and harmonious lifestyle. Well, down the road, older son moved back home and stayed for 2 years. Just when he moved out, my younger son moved back home. They grew up, matured and became reasonable adults. I still want my privacy, though. I enjoy my grandson because I never could when I was a mother. Being a grandmother rocks.
jpayne4040 over 6 years ago
I think John’s words are pretty reasonable and on point—-but I’m not a parent either so…
GirlGeek Premium Member over 6 years ago
Lose the upper hand? I’m not a parent but I’m not sure that’s how a parent responds to a teenager.
M2MM over 6 years ago
Teens like to be treated as more of an equal, rather than as a kid. I used to let my boys know how their behaviour made me feel, and how a different way of acting would have worked better for the both of us. Rarely did I have any arguments with them. They were quite reasonable young men throughout their teens (except with each other.) Then they still pushed each other’s buttons, just like they did when younger. I did my best to stay out of it and only intervened when necessary. ;-) I should also mention that I have a wicked temper, and they both learned not to set it off.
forbearly over 6 years ago
Just be glad your son isn’t Michael Rotondo.
JudyHendrickson over 6 years ago
AWWWW!!THE JOY OF RAISIN TEENAGERS!!
USN1977 over 6 years ago
This is getting long in the tooth. Besides, there are other punishments. For example, one of the things my parents did for certain violations of house rules was that I would not get any meals made for me. In essence, if I wanted to eat, I had to make my own dinner.
Emlyn Premium Member over 6 years ago
My 7-year-old grandson is doing it already!
pchemcat over 6 years ago
First mistake is thinking you have to reason with the kid. “Because I said so.”, your house, your rules. You are the parent, you set the rules. When the kids are 18 and legally adults, tbey are more than welcome to move out on their own if they don’t like your rules.
Sailor46 USN 65-95 over 6 years ago
It’s all training to be an adult, most of us never stop training.
ajakimber425 over 6 years ago
And why give them everything you’ve work for?