Updated: Aug. 28, 2020
Originally Published: Nov. 16, 2015
Navigating life with a household full of teenagers is quite the adventure. I appreciate all the positive thoughts and encouragement sent my way. Interactions with these young adults often involve eye-rolls, shrugs, and the ever-dramatic “Oh my God!” muttered under their breath, assuming I’m out of earshot. It appears they are perpetually exasperated by their parents.
Living with a middle-aged, minivan-driving mom who lacks hipness must be a source of immense agony for them. I recognize the torture they endure when they witness my clumsy attempts at navigating technology or deciphering their trendy slang. They “literally can’t even” when I step out in something that’s not deemed “on fleek.”
Their impatience is palpable, but in the midst of their struggles with my outdated ways, I must remind them to exercise a bit of patience with me. After all, it’s only just. Having grown up in a time when the most thrilling video games involved dying from dysentery and crafting term papers without the aid of Google, they owe me a smidge more respect than just the occasional sarcastic sigh.
At the core of their teenage confidence is a slight lapse in memory regarding the numerous sacrifices I’ve made as their mother. They seem to forget the monumental patience I displayed during their formative years. Here are 19 compelling reasons why they owe me—one for each year of motherhood:
- I carried each of them for nine lengthy months, enduring the rigors of pregnancy while never once expressing my impatience at the drawn-out process of labor.
- I spent countless nights rocking them to sleep, all while yearning for a few moments to myself to shower or even brush my teeth.
- I endured marathon nursing sessions, sacrificing my sleep for their nourishment.
- I offered them meals, only to have them respond by throwing food on the floor, yet I never gave up on providing for them.
- I guided their tiny hands as they took their first steps, a skill I mastered long before they did.
- Potty training was a trying endeavor, yet I remained steadfast as they struggled with a task that seemed so simple.
- I read Goodnight Moon over 27,000 times, each time with enthusiasm despite my own fatigue.
- I helped them learn to communicate, responding to their endless “Waz dat?” inquiries with unwavering patience.
- I translated their toddler babble into comprehensible speech, all while they learned to pronounce tricky terms like “cookie.”
- I selflessly let them have the last cookie, demonstrating the art of sharing.
- I willingly shared my drinks, even knowing I’d likely end up with backwash.
- During their most public temper tantrums, I managed to keep my composure, even if I understood why some animals eat their young.
- I survived endless episodes of Caillou and Teletubbies, certain that the Seventh Circle of Hell features non-stop Caillou reruns.
- I tolerated mismatched outfits and dirty shirts as they explored their independence in fashion choices.
- I’ve repeatedly stepped on Legos in the dead of night, a rite of passage for all parents.
- I cheered on their every athletic endeavor, even when they couldn’t remember their team colors during pee wee soccer.
- I’ve provided support during math homework crises, enduring the tears that often accompany it.
- I find myself reminding them to take out the trash and shut the bathroom door, even though I know they’re capable of these tasks.
- I can still locate their belongings faster than they can, from clean socks to karate uniforms, as long as it’s not on the internet.
I’ve certainly earned a measure of patience from my teenagers. Perhaps I’ll share this list with them—if I can remember how to send it, that is! For those considering a similar journey, resources such as the March of Dimes offer excellent advice on pregnancy and home insemination. For an insightful read, check out this article on at-home insemination kits, a topic worth exploring for anyone on this path.
In summary, the journey through motherhood has been filled with countless sacrifices and challenges, all of which contribute to the bond I share with my children. As they navigate their teenage years, a little acknowledgment of my efforts would go a long way.
Keyphrase: Teenage Parenting Challenges
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