I had my first child when I was 26, making me one of the younger parents among my friends. While they chat about their kids’ dance recitals and soccer practices, I’m busy preparing for prom and marveling at the fact that my son has a girlfriend who’s mostly sane (most days). Whenever someone mentions the teenage years, I hear the dreaded “Ugh, I’m not looking forward to that.” Really? Give me a teenager any day over a little kid. Here’s why:
- No More Frozen Overload: I’ve managed to avoid the endless loop of “Let It Go” and all those cringe-worthy social media videos. I get to enjoy real films with my son, free from animated distractions. Admit it, you’re a little envious!
- Strength in Numbers: My son can actually carry me out of a burning building if necessary. Okay, he might prioritize rescuing his girlfriend first, but still, he’s got the muscles. Your little one would probably just cry in the corner.
- The Bottle Opener: He’s got the superpower of opening stubborn jars and water bottles. Seriously, why do they make these things so hard to open? Thank goodness for all that texting and thumb strength!
- No Awkward Conversations: My son knows where babies come from and finds them annoying. No need for awkward stork stories or “tummy” explanations. Plus, he knows how to avoid the baby-making part—if you catch my drift.
- Sleeping Beauty: This kid can sleep in like it’s an Olympic sport. I often worry he’s turned into a mummy if I don’t wake him up! He even made coffee one Christmas morning. Can your little kid do that?
- Driving Privileges: He can drive, which means he can fetch ice cream while I lounge in my pajamas. Plus, I’m off the hook for carting him around. He’s got it covered!
- Patience Lessons: Let’s be honest—he can drive me crazy with his antics, teaching me patience in the process. But then again, toddlers do that too, so maybe that’s a wash.
- Chores That Don’t Make Me Gag: He handles chores I’d rather avoid, like scooping up after the dog. Your sweet little angel would likely dissolve into tears at the first whiff of that duty.
- Grown-Up Humor: His jokes are actually funny (and totally inappropriate), sparking laughter that can lead to some serious drink-snorting moments. Good luck with those knock-knock jokes at your dinner table!
- Rapid Dinner Devourer: He eats dinner faster than I can set the table. Honestly, he seems to need about 12,000 calories a day—there’s no coaxing him to eat his vegetables here!
Sure, having a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, but I’d still choose my teen over any kid who believes in Santa. Plus, I only have to tackle one set of Christmas gifts now.
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In summary, while the teenage years may seem daunting, they can also be incredibly rewarding. From shared humor to newfound independence, having a teen opens up a whole new world of parenting experiences.