Gaslight Theater

Being a parent of teens is a challenge. It is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. It is not for the hard of hearing. It is not for the half awake.

Why?

Because if you are not at the top of your game for most every encounter with a teenager you will find yourself scratching your head saying "Am I crazy?"

Why?

Because teenagers seem innately talented in directing and staring in "Gaslight Theater." What the heck am I talking about? Know what "Gaslighting" is?

In a nutshell: "False information is presented to the parent by the teen with the intent of making the parent doubt their own memory or perception."  

I don't think that too many parents ever buy tickets to this "production" that their kids continually attempt to stage anyway. Parents know what they said. Parents know what the kids said. Parents know the deal.

Take that show on the road kids!

parenting

behavior

teens

A Parent's Wish

It I had one wish, it would be that I could enjoy a peaceful Friday night and relax and unwind from the week and not be caught off guard (like so many nights after a long day at work) by a teen being cordial only to find that later in the evening they were hoping to maneuver for some time doing something with their suitor. Keep wishing!

children

parenting

behavior

Adolescent Arithmetic

I have learned as a parent of teenagers that there is a direct correlation between the level of defensiveness an adolescent exhibits and the accuracy of parent's intuition regarding what they believe is really going on.

The formula?
The greater the indignant defensive teen rant = the greater chance that the parent nailed it when they called it as they saw it.

You do the math.
children

parenting

behavior

Funny SH*T my kid says

The front door opens.

The front door closes.

Next we hear:

"Smart cars blow! They're so stupid!"

life

musings

The Power of Suggestion

The Power of Suggestion definitely has no power at all with teenagers. It is becoming ever clearer, that to use suggestion rather than mandate with a teenager is pointless!

Case in point:

Mom: would you like to get a shower and get your laundry put away?

Kid: No.



children

parenting

behavior

musings

unthankful SH*T my kid says

Kid: I don't know how to do my homework. I just don't GET this science stuff!

Mom: OK, I have a co-worker who will come over next week to help you.

[Fast forward to "next week"]

Kid: I don't even know why she is coming over, what am I going to say? "Thanks for coming over but I don't need any help?"

Anyone else confused?

children

parenting

behavior

musings

Yeah, Sh*t My Kid Says

One Sunday night somewhere in America...


Mom: Do you have enough clean clothes for school tomorrow or do you need to do laundry tonight?

Kid: Probably tonight.

There you have it! Do you think that teen got their laundry done in time to start the week?

Amazing how teens forget that (every weekend for the last 15 years) they have the need for clean socks and underwear. But they would never forget that they want you to take them to the football game, or to the homecoming dance, etc.


children

parenting

behavior

musings

More Sh*t My Kid Says

There is so much said by my kid on a daily basis that simply baffles the mind and wearies the heart. Parenting is definitely not for the faint of heart!

I'm stymied. Maybe I'll find the words later to distill this afternoon into a concise "More Sh*t My Kid Says" posting.

Anyone out there have any similar experiences? Please do share! 




parenting

behavior

musings

The right to remain silent

An ongoing addition to the Sh*t My Kid Says series!

Kid: I have no rights!

 ☮웃☮웃

Mom: Well, dear, most people who pay no taxes and don't pay any room and board have very few rights. 

But, hey... everyone has the right to remain silent.

parenting

behavior

children

New Series: Sh*t My Kid Says

Sure, it can be funny when an adult child lives with their even older adult parent. But what about all of us middle-aged parents out there living with our teenage kids?

I am sure that there will be some pretty head-shaking stuff that will be heard within any parent's walls!

Here are a few examples from the parenting archives:
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Mom: Dinner's ready!

Kid: I'm not hungry.

Mom: OK. But you need to eat.

Kid: But I'm not hungry!

[about 10 minutes later...]

Kid: Mom? Can we go get some ice cream?

parenting

behavior

children

Mom: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

Kid: "who wants flies?" 

☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃☮웃
 

Stay tuned for new and humorous (or frustrating?) entries in this series!