As a young parent who welcomed my son at 25, I often find myself in conversations with friends who are busy sharing tales of their little ones’ soccer practices and dance recitals. Meanwhile, I’m discussing tuxedo rentals for prom and the fact that my son has found a mostly non-crazy girlfriend. When friends express their dread about the teenage years, I can’t help but feel thankful for my teen. Here’s why I would choose him over a little kid any day:
- No More Frozen: Unlike many parents who have endured the endless loop of animated movies and catchy songs, I’ve managed to avoid “Let It Go” and its overexposure. Instead, I get to enjoy real films with my son that don’t come with a side of earworms. Admit it, you’re a bit envious!
- Strength in Emergencies: My son could actually carry me out of a crisis if needed. Sure, he might save his girlfriend first, but at least he has the strength to do it. Your elementary-aged child? Let’s just say they might freeze in panic.
- The Jar Opener: Those ridiculously sealed water bottles? No problem! My teen has developed the hand strength necessary to open just about anything, likely due to all that texting.
- Understanding About Babies: My son knows where babies come from and finds them a bit annoying, which saves me the awkward stork conversations. Plus, he’s equipped with knowledge about avoiding unplanned parenthood.
- Sleeping In: Yes, my son can sleep so late that I worry he might be unresponsive. He even managed to sleep through Christmas morning. When he finally wakes up, he brews coffee. Can your little one do that?
- Driving Freedom: He can drive! This means he can run errands and bring me ice cream while I relax in my pajamas. No more shuttling him around to activities; he’s got it covered.
- Teaching Patience: While my son does things that can be infuriating, I’ve learned to be patient. Oh wait—that’s something toddlers do too. Never mind!
- Chores Done Right: He takes care of the less-than-pleasant chores, like cleaning up after our dog. Your sweet second grader would likely have a meltdown at the first sign of a mess.
- Real Humor: My son tells jokes that actually make me laugh, even if they’re a bit inappropriate. No more silly knock-knock jokes at my dinner table; we have a good time and have learned to avoid sips when he’s about to speak.
- Fast Eater: He devours dinner in record time—seriously, it’s like he requires a thousand calories a day. Gone are the days of coaxing him to eat his broccoli; food disappears before I even finish setting the table.
While parenting a teenager comes with its own challenges, I’d still choose my teen over a child who believes in Santa any day. One set of Christmas gifts? Yes, please!
For more insights into parenting and related topics, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, I recommend visiting this site for valuable information. For those curious about pregnancy, the CDC offers great resources.
In summary, while there are ups and downs to having a teenager, the advantages far outweigh the challenges. From their independence to their capacity for humor, it’s a rewarding experience.