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Cue the eye roll here
No matter how hip you think you are, your teenager will find a reason to cringe. By Alex Greene
I like to think of myself as the “cool” mom—up-to-date on the latest slang and fashion trends. I’m open with my teens about everything from relationships to health, even discussing personal grooming. You know the drill.
I remember feeling mortified by my own parents and assumed my kids would never feel that way about me. I keep up with the lingo and try to stay relevant. Just the other day at the store, I casually mentioned how someone in line seemed “sus,” and my daughter shot me a look and told me to stop talking. It’s just one example of how I unintentionally embarrass my teenagers by simply existing. Based on my own experiences, here are five surefire ways to make your kids cringe when they reach their teenage years.
1. Yawning or Sneezing
My son recently lectured me on my loud yawning and sneezing. He said, “Mom, your yawns are ridiculous, and please don’t sneeze either.” Apparently, I should suppress every bodily function to avoid causing any embarrassment. My daughter even refuses to sit next to me at dinner because she can’t handle the sound of my breathing or chewing while I eat to stay alive.
2. Showing Affection
While it’s important for them to know you love them, they don’t want anyone, especially their friends, to see it. Public displays of affection are a no-go. A hug or a gentle touch is akin to a public shaming. Texting is fine, but even a loving word over the phone can lead to them hanging up in a fit of embarrassment.
3. Walking Too Close
Do not walk beside them in public. This is a cardinal rule—one that I learned the hard way. Whether at school, the mall, or a restaurant, being seen with you is a major faux pas. Once, while back-to-school shopping, my oldest told me to stay away while he picked clothes. The way my kids dashed away from me made it seem like I was trying to hurt them.
4. Inquiring About Their Lives
Texts from my kids might inform me they broke up with a crush, but it’s always followed by a stern, “Don’t ask me anything else.” They want you to know things on their terms. Show too much concern, and you’ll receive a dismissive wave or even a warning glance as they prepare to exit the conversation.
5. Seeking Help with Tech
As someone who struggles with technology, asking my kids for help is a guaranteed way to irritate them. My youngest even questioned, “How can you be so unsmart?” Apparently, not knowing how to navigate a simple zip file makes me clueless, yet they can create their own vocabulary with no issue. And don’t even think about tagging them in a photo on social media; they’ll block you faster than you can say “cringe.”
So here’s the deal: no matter how cool you believe you are, you will embarrass your teens. There’s no escaping it, and no amount of trendy dance moves will change their minds. Just live your life—after all, even your breathing can be an embarrassment to them.
But don’t lose hope! Your teens won’t feel this way forever. My oldest, now nearing 19, has started to enjoy public outings with me—especially if I’m paying. My daughter, soon to be 17, has eased up on her comments about my noisy breathing. There’s light at the end of the tunnel!
For more insights, check out this helpful blog post about parenting. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Also, March of Dimes offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Navigating the teenage years with your kids can be a rollercoaster of embarrassment. From loud yawning to public affection, parents often find themselves at odds with their teens’ desire for independence and image. However, this phase is temporary, and eventually, your kids will appreciate your presence once again.
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