Living with a house full of teenagers is no small feat. (Your positive thoughts and encouragement are greatly appreciated.) Teenagers tend to express their feelings toward their parents through eye rolls, exaggerated sighs, and the ever-dramatic “Oh my God!” when they think we’re not paying attention. It often feels like they exist in a perpetual state of frustration with us.
I understand that growing up with a middle-aged mom who drives a minivan and appears to be completely out of touch can be a challenge. I also recognize that my attempts at using their social media platforms or figuring out how to download photos from our family tablet can be painfully awkward. I can only imagine how they struggle internally when I can’t quite grasp their slang or when my wardrobe doesn’t align with their idea of “on fleek.”
Yet, while they bear the burden of having to deal with an uncool, technologically challenged mother, I remind them to practice a little patience. After all, it’s only fair. Having grown up in a time when video games involved pixelated graphics and I wrote college essays without the luxury of a search engine, they should owe me a bit more than just sarcastic remarks. There are plenty of reasons for this expectation.
Despite their teenage confidence, they sometimes forget the important sacrifices I’ve made for them. Here are 19 reasons—one for each year I’ve been their mom—why they owe me a little extra respect:
- I carried each of them for nine long months, enduring discomfort and pain without ever rolling my eyes at the process.
- I rocked them to sleep countless times, even when all I wanted was a moment to breathe or indulge in a quick shower.
- Those late-night nursing sessions? I powered through, all while dreaming of uninterrupted sleep.
- I tirelessly provided their favorite meals, even when they responded by throwing food on the floor.
- I held their hands as they took their first steps, even though I was fully capable of walking on my own.
- Potty training was a project—how could something so simple be so challenging?
- I read “Goodnight Moon” to them at least 27,000 times, bringing my best enthusiasm to each reading.
- Every “What’s that?” I answered was another chance for me to teach them the beauty of verbal communication.
- I translated their toddler babble until they could finally pronounce words like “cookie” and “potty” correctly.
- I let them have the last cookie, even when I secretly wanted it for myself.
- My drink was always shared, crumbs and all.
- I stayed calm during their most explosive tantrums, which felt like a Herculean task.
- I survived endless hours of “Caillou” and “Teletubbies”—the true test of parental endurance!
- I endured their fashion choices, from mismatched outfits to wearing snow boots in July.
- I’ve stepped on countless Legos in the dark, a rite of passage for any parent.
- I cheered at all their sporting events, even when they forgot which goal was theirs.
- Math homework brought tears for them and frustration for me.
- I still have to remind them to complete basic chores, despite knowing they can do it.
- I can still find their lost items faster than they can—whether it’s clean socks or karate uniforms.
Clearly, I’ve earned their patience and respect. I hope they take the time to reflect on this list. Perhaps I’ll send it to them—if I can remember how. For more insights into parenting and family life, check out our post on Cervical Insemination. Also, if you’re looking for at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers a range of reliable kits. And for those interested in pregnancy and its many facets, WHO is an excellent resource.
In summary, navigating the teenage years as a parent is not for the faint of heart. Yet, with a bit of humor and a strong sense of duty, we can remind our children of the sacrifices we’ve made and the respect they owe us.
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