19 Reasons My Teenagers Should Show Me Some Appreciation

home insemination Kit

By: Sarah Thompson

I’m currently navigating life in a house filled with teenagers. (Your supportive thoughts and good vibes are very much welcomed!) Communication with my teens often consists of eye rolls, exaggerated sighs, and the classic “Oh my God!” muttered under their breath when they think I’m out of earshot. It’s like they’re perpetually exasperated with me.

I get it—living with a middle-aged, minivan-driving mom who is decidedly not the epitome of cool must be a real trial. I can only imagine the agony they endure watching me fumble with texting or trying to figure out how to download pictures from my tablet. They probably feel a deep sense of frustration when I can’t quite grasp their slang, and I know they “literally can’t even” when my wardrobe doesn’t match the latest trends.

Their impatience with me reaches levels that can only be described as typical teenage angst. But while they bear the burden of having an “uncool” mom who occasionally struggles with modern technology, I think it’s only fair they practice a little more patience with me. After all, I grew up in an era where the coolest video games involved pixelated characters and I wrote all my papers without the luxury of Google. They owe me a bit of respect and understanding.

Here are 19 reasons why my teenagers should show me a little gratitude—one for every year I’ve been their mom:

1. I carried each of them for nine long and sometimes exhausting months. I endured the pain of childbirth, but I never once gave up on them.
2. During those sleepless nights when they refused to sleep alone, I rocked them to sleep, wishing for just a few minutes to myself—just to shower or brush my teeth!
3. I endured countless late-night nursing sessions when all I craved was a good night’s sleep.
4. I provided meals they requested, only to face the wrath of food being thrown on the floor, yet I never quit trying to feed them.
5. I held their hands as they learned to walk, even though I could do it with my eyes closed.
6. Potty training? I can’t believe how long it took when I knew everyone my age was doing it with ease.
7. I read “Goodnight Moon” so many times that I lost count, always with as much enthusiasm as I could muster—even when I wanted to scream.
8. I taught them to talk, answering every curious “Waz dat?” question with patience.
9. I patiently translated their toddler babble until they could finally say “cookie” without any mishaps.
10. I let them have the last cookie, even when I secretly wanted it.
11. I shared my drinks with them, knowing they would leave behind cookie-crumb backwash.
12. I managed not to lose my cool during their public temper tantrums (even though I can see why some animals eat their young).
13. I survived endless marathons of “Caillou” and “Teletubbies”—I’m convinced that show is a punishment in disguise.
14. I survived their fashion choices, from mismatched outfits to wearing snow boots in July because they insisted on dressing themselves.
15. I’ve stepped on countless Legos in the dead of night.
16. I cheered at every sporting event, even when they forgot which goal was theirs—pee wee soccer is truly a test of patience!
17. I’ve helped with math homework along with all the tears that came with it.
18. I still find myself reminding them to take out the trash or close the bathroom door—things they definitely know how to do.
19. I can find anything they’re looking for faster than they can, be it clean socks or missing school supplies.

I’ve certainly earned a little patience and understanding from my teenagers. Maybe I’ll share this list with them—or I could just link to some helpful resources instead, like Mount Sinai’s guide on infertility resources. If you’re curious about home insemination, check out Make a Mom’s expert guide on the subject for valuable insights. For more information on related topics, you can also visit this link for further engagement.

In summary, while my teenagers may roll their eyes at me, it’s essential for them to remember all the patience, love, and sacrifices I’ve made for them over the years.