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The Delight of Mortifying My Teenager
As a parent, I’ve come to realize that embarrassing my teenager can be an oddly fulfilling pastime. Just the other day, as my daughter, Jenna, hopped into the car, she immediately criticized the music blaring from the speakers. “You’re so embarrassing!” she exclaimed. Little did she know I was rocking out to Kansas’s iconic “Carry On My Wayward Son.” There’s just something about that song that demands to be played loudly!
It’s amusing how easily I can embarrass my 13-year-old. When she was younger, silliness was welcomed. I fondly recall our car rides to pre-school, where we belted out tunes like “Under The Sea” and “I Like To Move It.” Those carefree days took a sharp turn when I found myself in a grocery store with Jenna, who was then 10 years old. Unbeknownst to me, I started singing along to a Lionel Richie song, dancing a little, when suddenly she hissed, “STOP THAT!” I was taken aback. “What? Am I embarrassing you?” I asked. Her whispered “YES” marked the end of my reign as the fun parent.
As Jenna transitioned into her tween years, her self-consciousness grew. Every little thing we did became a source of embarrassment for her. By the time she hit her teenage years, even our most innocent actions—like smiling or breathing—could lead to her dramatic eye-rolls. After realizing we couldn’t escape this phase, my spouse and I decided to embrace our role. We came to understand that embarrassing our child was not just a privilege; it was our duty as parents.
Let’s be honest, Jenna had her share of embarrassing moments too. I vividly recall her throwing an epic tantrum at an arts festival when she was two, prompting the band on stage to pause mid-performance. Then there was the time she scolded someone for smoking outside a restaurant, loudly declaring that cigarettes are bad for you, all while we were trying to enjoy a meal.
Now, it’s our turn, and oh, is it enjoyable! Whether it’s calling her by her childhood nickname, “Jenna-bear,” in front of her friends or showing up at her school wearing sweatpants, the opportunities are endless. Just two nights ago, while driving home from dinner, we found ourselves grooving to “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” The more we danced and sang, the more Jenna begged us to stop, even though there were no other cars around. Our antics reached a peak when we turned the car into a duet, prompting her to look like she might burst into tears.
As we pulled into our driveway, Jenna stormed out of the car, but it wasn’t over yet. I rolled down the window and called after her, “Don’t leave! You’re gonna miss the best part!” With that, we cranked up the radio again and belted out the catchy chorus.
In conclusion, the dynamic between parents and teenagers often shifts dramatically. As a parent, embracing the role of the “embarrassing one” can be a joyful and entertaining aspect of raising a teenager. Despite their resistance, these moments create lasting memories and remind us that laughter is essential in family life. For more insights on parenting, consider exploring resources about family planning and home insemination, such as this informative article or this expert guide on fertility supplements, which can be crucial during the family-building journey. Additionally, Progyny offers excellent resources for navigating pregnancy and its complexities.