Ah, the joy of coming home to your little one! If your child is under 10, it’s like being welcomed by an enthusiastic golden retriever puppy. They rush to the door, bubbling with excitement: “Hey! Where were you? What are we doing now? Can you feed me? Let’s play! Come check out the bone I dug up!” Having a preschooler or elementary-aged child feels like a delightful reunion with an overjoyed pup who’s just thrilled you’re back.
Now, fast-forward to the tween and teen years. Returning home to a middle or high schooler is a totally different experience. You might find them drifting into the kitchen an hour later, casually asking, “When did you get back? Is there anything to eat?” Sometimes, they might not even realize you were gone! If they do, prepare for a barrage of impatience: “Where have you been?!”—followed closely by their latest complaint or request. It’s a lot like caring for a moody, demanding Siamese cat who’s definitely got an attitude.
This shift from exuberant puppy to finicky feline can leave many parents feeling perplexed. Friends with older kids may have tried to warn you, but let’s be honest—your kid would never act like that, right?
One major difference between cats and dogs is training; cats are notoriously difficult to train. Yet, train them we must, as there’s no returning them to the shelter or trying out a different model. Although, I’ve heard that some folks consider getting an exchange student from abroad to mix things up—perhaps you could send your teen off to a welcoming family in Sweden or Mexico who might have lower expectations of an American teenager. Just a thought!
Living with a teenager means getting creative in your approach. You can’t train them like a puppy; they don’t respond to rewards and consequences in the same way. Instead, it’s all about negotiation and a little diplomacy. Cats have an uncanny ability to sense respect. If you show genuine love and respect—even when they’re being a handful—they’re more likely to indulge your less-than-reasonable requests. Raise your voice, and they’ll just give you that “you’ve got to be kidding” look before zoning out with their headphones.
The key to navigating these teenage years is to embrace your cat-like existence. Keep in mind that with patience and understanding, that spirited feline can eventually grow into an adult you’ll admire—one who appreciates you and may even come to the door with a smile when you return home.
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In summary, while the transition from child to teen can be jarring, it’s important to remember that with a little patience and understanding, you can foster a relationship that grows and matures over time.