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I chatted with a frustrated mom today. She was lamenting the fact that her teens are “just impossible!” As she described the precise actions that were making her crazy, I couldn’t help but smile. I reminded her, ever so gently, that we used to have this same conversation roughly ten years ago when her children were toddlers and were driving her insane. She had forgotten that she can use the same simple measures today that she used back then.
After all, toddlers and teenagers are very similar. For example, they are in a developmental phase when they do NOT like to be awakened. They are definitely pushing the boundaries of their independence, but will, without warning, suddenly become very clingy and needy again. And they think that if they pull their hat/hoodie/hair over their eyes, YOU can’t see THEM.
Ahhh, but we do, and we know just how to address the issues they cause with their return to a “bungee cord lifestyle.” Let them decide for themselves whenever you can. If they mess up, if at all possible, allow a do-over. When not possible, do not allow them to avoid the consequences of their occasional bad choices, but help them through it. It really can be nearly as simple now as it was back then.
Just don’t blink. This age and stage will be gone before you know it, and yes, you will dearly miss these days.