Having my son at a relatively young age means that I have a teenager while many of my peers are still navigating the toddler years. While they share stories of playground antics and naps, I find myself discussing tuxedo rentals for prom and my son’s latest crush (who is mostly sane). Often, I hear comments like, “Ugh, the teenage years. I dread that.” Really? I would much prefer dealing with a teen than a little kid any day. Here’s why:
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I’ve blissfully avoided films like Frozen and the repetitive songs that accompany them. I’ve never felt the need to watch those viral clips, either. I get to enjoy real cinema with my son, free from animated distractions.
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My teenager is strong enough to lift me out of a crisis. Sure, he might prioritize saving his girlfriend first, but he definitely has the physical capability to rescue me if necessary. Your elementary school child would likely panic in such a situation.
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He can open stubborn water bottles and jars with ease. Seriously, why do they package water bottles like they’re intended to survive a nuclear event? Thanks to all that texting, teens have developed impressive grip strength.
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He has a solid understanding of reproduction and finds babies a bit annoying. This means I don’t need to resort to tales about storks or “tummy” explanations. Plus, he knows how to prevent unwanted pregnancies; if you catch my drift.
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He actually sleeps in! Yes, while some parents are up at the crack of dawn, my son can snooze until I worry he’s gone for good. He even made coffee on Christmas morning! Can your little one do that?
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He drives, which means I can enjoy ice cream from the comfort of my couch while he runs errands. I don’t have to shuttle him around to every activity—he’s fully capable of managing his own schedule.
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He teaches me patience through his antics. Let’s be honest, toddlers do the same thing, but the challenges presented by teens require a different level of understanding.
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He handles chores I would prefer to avoid, like cleaning up after the dog. I can’t imagine your little one managing even a single messy task without tears or a meltdown.
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His jokes are genuinely amusing—often pushing the boundaries of appropriateness. We share genuine laughs that you won’t find at a kid’s table, where knock-knock jokes reign supreme.
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He devours dinner faster than I can set it on the table. Like most teens, he has a seemingly insatiable appetite, eliminating the need for mealtime coaxing.
While parenting a teenager certainly has its challenges, the benefits far outweigh them. I relish the simplicity of buying just one set of holiday gifts now.
If you’re interested in more about parenting and family life during these transitions, be sure to check out our post on home insemination for additional insights. Also, for those considering starting a family, Cryobaby provides essential resources for home insemination. And for comprehensive pregnancy information, the CDC is an excellent resource.
In summary, having a teenager comes with unique advantages that make the experience enjoyable, from independence to shared humor that can only be appreciated at this stage of life.