In a classic morning scenario that many parents of teens can relate to, California mom Sara Jennings found herself at her wit’s end as her daughter, Lily, a typical 14-year-old, was dragging her feet and making the family late. The sun was shining, but for teens, getting out of bed can feel like a monumental task. As any parent knows, this daily struggle can lead to chaos, complaints, and a whole lot of eye-rolling.
On that fateful morning, Sara decided to pen a humorous note to her daughter’s school, attributing Lily’s lateness to a condition she dubbed “teenage-ism.” The note quickly went viral, resonating with parents everywhere who have experienced the same frustrations.
“To whom it may concern: Lily is late this morning due to a flare-up of the condition known as teenage-ism, a widespread affliction among adolescents, for which there is sadly no known cure,” Sara wrote.
As she recounted on her blog, Sara was in the heat of her usual “responsibility talk” in the car when she noticed Lily had plugged in her headphones and was completely tuning her out. It was the final straw. In a moment of exasperation, she grabbed Lily’s phone, yanked out the headphones, and dramatically tossed the phone out the car window. Yes, you read that right—out the window!
What I love most about this story is the fact that she unplugged the headphones first, showing a flicker of rational thought amidst the fiery chaos. It’s almost as if she was channeling the spirit of a science teacher, reminding herself that “unplugging them will help with air resistance!”
After arriving at school, and facing the need for an excuse note, Sara refused to sugarcoat the situation. Instead, she humorously detailed Lily’s “teenage-ism” symptoms, including her inability to rise from bed and the audacity to talk back to mom.
Of course, Sara made sure to retrieve the phone from a neighbor’s yard later and kept it as a form of punishment for four days. She clarified that Lily isn’t a bad kid; she’s an honor roll student and a gifted musician. “I love being her mom,” Sara wrote, “but some days, well, they’re just not the best.”
This relatable tale highlights the trials of parenting teens while also delivering a good laugh for those in similar shoes. As Sara wisely pointed out, it’s crucial for children to understand that their moods don’t absolve them from the responsibility of their actions and the impact those have on others.
For every parent navigating the tumultuous teenage years, Sara’s note serves as a comedic reminder that we all share these struggles. And if you’re interested in more insightful tips on family life, check out this post on our other blog about home insemination kits.
Summary:
Sara Jennings humorously attributes her daughter Lily’s tardiness to “teenage-ism” in a viral note to the school, capturing the relatable struggles of parenting a teenager. Amidst the chaos of the morning, Sara’s witty approach highlights the importance of responsibility in a light-hearted manner.