Dad Looking for Advice!
Posted August 7, 2015 - 12:47pm
Hi Everyone!
My name is Craig and I'm from San Diego. I've got 3 gorgeous balls of stress, ages 8, 10, and 15. Trying to deal with the fact that I now have a teenage daughter is definitely a challenge, but I wanted to start reaching out to forums to see what I can do to learn all there is. Looking forward to talking to everyone :)
SuperDuperMom
Welcome, Craig! I joined the Kids in the House community today too-- glad I saw your post. Would love for you to check out some of my other posts since your kids are older than mine and have already gone through a lot of the struggles I'm facing. Good luck finding answers here for your parenting questions. I've found it super helpful so far. As for your teenage daughter, just love her lots and be there for her as she grows up :)
Marshall Herff
Welcome! I am a newbie here too just joined
jonbonjovious
I've survived 3 teenagers..one of them a girl. I think it's important to remember there's a lot going on in their body and world during these years. You'll miss the struggle when she hit 20...I promise. parenting is a tough gig! I have one teen age girl, a tween and a little guy still to go ..looking at my soon to be 26 year old makes me realize just how precious this time is. Enjoy the ride...its bound to have some wild and frightening moments!
jacqueline@kids...
All you need is love :)
CraigK
Thanks everyone! It's definitely a weird experience since I don't have any sister, but I figure the more sarcastic banter we can have between us, the better. Just kidding :)
justamom
Hi Craig. A teenage girl, huh? My condolences. (Just kidding) Seriously, I have two grown kids, a boy & a girl & I would say my daughter was just slightly more of a handful than my son who actually got into quite a bit of trouble. My daughter Harmony & I were definitely going through some rough times when she was miserable at home & ran away to her grandparent's house to live two states away. However, now that she's married we are very close. Her dad has always been so incredibly important to her, she adores him. My father & I were never really close, but he's so dear to me & today we are good friends, as well.Just hang in there, because it gets better as they grow out of their teens!
CShelton
Teens can be scary! I have two myself, one in college. I think the older my kids get the more we get along and bond. It's such a blessing once you get through the rocky years
SuperDuperMom
I feel like this is going to make him more nervous! I have two young ones so they haven't reached the teenage years but this definitely makes me a little scared haha
CraigK
Ahhh this isn't helping! Sometimes I really feel like someone body snatched my daughter, but she still SOUNDS like her. But thanks everyone!
beachcitymom
Hi Craig,Welcome! My son is only 11, although the past few months he now thinks he is a teen and seems to have the attitude to go along with it. I can imagine the teen years will be even more challenging. I wish I had some great advice to give but have to admit, although I have worked with teens in the past in my jobs...it is harder when they are your own. One important thing I learned and taught other parents in the past is to really be there for them if they want to talk. Open communication is so important. I remember when I was a teenage girl, that was something lacking in my relationship with my parents. Actually, my grandmother was the one that I had great communication with. Also, teens that I worked with in groups and a school setting, would always say one of the problems at home was they couldn't communicate with their parents.They felt they couldn't talk to their parents about anything important. I think it is awesome that you are reaching out on here and kudos to you!
CraigK
This is a good point, I'm a patient guy and I try not to lose my temper. My rationale is to respond with sarcasm so sometimes I'm like "fight fire with fire!" But I'm just remaining calm and making sure I don't turn into the enemy and I'll be good. Helps having the younger ones on my side, they haven't learned to snap back at me or my wife yet.
beachcitymom
Yes, remaining calm is the best thing to do :)
jacqueline@kids...
hmmmm
CandyOvercaffed
Hi! As my tween gets closer to becoming a teen I worry about how we are going to handle it. Best of luck to you!
tishamelanie
Hi Craig,Welcome! I've got two girls, ages 8 and 11, so I'm close to where you are with the younger ones. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I have to admit that I'm a little nervous about what's to come, as I'll be in the same boat as you in a couple of years with a brand new teenager. Please do share what you learn along the way so I can prepare myself. :-)
sunnykathleen
Welcome! I have a teenage daughter as well so I am also always on the lookout for great tips in parenting teenagers!
Frugal Minded M...
My best advice is to take a deep breath before dealing with a moody teenage daughter (and boys who can also be very moody) before replying. If I don't do that, there is a very good liklihood of not handling it the correct way because it can totally stress you out.
CraigK
Oh yeah, I don't think this is just girls, my son ain't too great either some of the time, and I know I had the knack for having an attitude when I was younger, so that should help prepare me
Momofboys
Hi Craig, It is nice to meet you. A teenage daughter sounds stressful and interesting. I have all boys so I am sure my teenage experience will be a tad different. I look forward to seeing you around the forum though.
Frugal Minded M...
You'll most likely get more anger with boys then crying and mood swings.
beachcitymom
yes...I can see what you mean...my son does have more anger than the crying.