7 Stressful Parenting Challenges with Teens That Will Make You Feel Older Than You Are

Let’s face it, sleep deprivation is the ultimate nemesis of parenting. After stumbling upon a couple of articles yesterday that discussed how a lack of sleep can prematurely age your skin, I couldn’t help but think: just what I needed. For many parents in their 40s, this means that after a sleepless night tending to little ones, you might end up resembling a well-worn version of Judi Dench, even when you were aiming for an Amy Poehler vibe.

Currently, I’m in a relatively peaceful sleep phase—my kids are in their middle-grade years and go to bed like they’re on tranquilizers (I promise, no drugs involved). I’ve earned this, especially after enduring countless toddler wake-ups for reasons ranging from imaginary monsters and intense thirst (requiring precisely one sip of water) to urgent bathroom accidents. Not to mention the dreaded midnight whisper, “Mom, I think I’m going to throw up,” followed by an unfortunate eruption of stomach contents.

But I know the storm is coming. My oldest is about to turn 12, ushering in the tumultuous teen years. And according to my research, I might as well kiss my sleep goodbye until around 2024. Because it’s not just sleepless nights that age you; here are a few additional parenting hurdles that can add years to your face in mere moments:

The Ignored Call to Dinner

You holler into the darkness of the backyard for your child to come inside. All you hear back is the sound of crickets. You sweetly request your tween to stop playing Animal Jam long enough to have dinner. Silence reigns supreme. As your frustration escalates, your facial muscles tighten, deepening that stubborn furrow on your forehead. Wrinkle factor: 3 years.

The 11 a.m. School Call

Your phone lights up with a call from “The School.” It’s moments before your big work presentation, and your boss is watching you like a hawk. Is it the principal? The nurse? Please, don’t let it be bad news! How do you handle this without upsetting your employer? Wrinkle factor: 5 years.

The Broken Curfew

He promised he’d be back by 11 p.m., and now it’s well past midnight. He’s not answering your texts or calls. To top it off, the “Find My Friends” app you made him download is mysteriously disabled. Wrinkle factor: 12 years.

The ‘I Hate You’ Outburst

You knew this day would come. Your 16-year-old shrieks that she hates you after you grounded her for lying about spending the night at a friend’s house when she was actually out partying in a parked car. Wrinkle factor: 14 years.

The Surprise Party Disaster

You took one overnight trip to visit your aging parents, and upon returning, your home looks like it’s been hit by a tornado. The couch is smoldering from a hidden cigarette, plastic cups are littered everywhere with mysterious stains, and someone’s underwear is casually draped in the backyard. Your teens claim they only invited four friends over. Wrinkle factor: 16 years.

The Boyfriend Your Husband Can’t Stand

He’s unkempt, smells like he just walked out of a pot shop, and never greets you. Yet, your daughter is smitten. You urge your husband to keep his opinions to himself to avoid pushing her closer to him, but his anxiety over what they might do together has turned his hair grey—and yours too. Wrinkle factor: 19 years.

The Tearful Goodbye When He Leaves for College

You unload his bags in the dorm, engage in small talk as you tour the cafeteria, all while pretending your baby isn’t leaving home for good. Wrinkle factor: Why bother counting? Every wrinkle is a badge of honor, even if you’d willingly age more just to relive those moments.

In case you’re curious about how to navigate these challenges or want to explore more on parenting or fertility, check out IVF Babble for helpful advice or explore resources at Make a Mom. And remember, for insights on the intricacies of parenting, you can also refer to our terms and conditions.

Summary

Parenting teens is no walk in the park, and it comes with its own set of challenges that can make you feel older than your years. From ignored dinner calls to surprise parties gone wrong, each moment can add to your stress and wrinkles. But amid the chaos, cherish the memories and the lessons learned, as they’re all part of the wild ride of parenthood.