OH, my, yes. One of our girls was invited to a sleep over. A bunch of kids were going to be there from school and the parents were going to be there at all times. Our daughter was 15 at the time. PH nor I had ever heard her talk of this friend before. Well, our 14 year old told us about this sleep over. Yes, the parents were going to be there, however, so would boys. Our 15 year old said she knew about the boys, but, EVERYONE is going to be there. PH and I told her that she would NOT got to the sleep over...PERIOD! This became a two day argument. I decided to call these parents up and ask if I were understanding this sleep over correctly.....maybe the boys would just be there to watch a movie and go home! No, I was understanding correctly, the boys were staying the night as well. Then I asked if there was going to be a boys and girls place to sleep...no, they were all going to "camp" out on the floor in the "play" room. When I told the mom that we would not be sending our daughter to the sleep over, the mom got mad at me....she told me that I was too strict! Anyway, I guess I got off topic, but, when you said it is harder when parents will let there children do things that you would not and it can make it harder, I just thought I would let you know that I totally agree!

 

:thumb: No way would our daughter have been permitted to attend that sleepover.

Constantly told by our 16-year old that we are the strictest parents of any of his friends (not even close to being true, but even if it was, we don't care ). Great kid, straight A student, mature, responsible, polite, great set of friends - wouldn't change a thing about him. But we simply have certain rules about curfew, car usage, homework first, chores, where/when he sees his girlfriend, how much money we regularly hand over to him for spending (he doesn't work a pt job because of sports/schoolwork and we give him money w/o doing chores because he will ultimately save us thousands via scholarships). I am sure we are more strict than most, but certainly not all. But it does get hard sometimes when there are parents out there that allow their kid to do whatever they want, whenever they want and your kids see that and want the same "liberties".

 

My 17 year old son told us we were the strictest parents! Glad to share the title! Oh, yeah teenagers are worse than todlers!

It depends on the job that you do when they are young. The better the job that you do the easier it is when they're older.......

My grandma died before my oldest was born, but she knew we were expecting a child. She said something to me that I will never forget and have repeated several times for others when told of some troubling issues they face with the kids.

 

"Small children are small problems.... big children are big problems."

 

No words were ever spoken more true. Both of my children were good kids, and still are. It is just that now they are young adults and the issues they deal with are more than just a 'dust them off and send them back outside.' kind of thing. Choices they make now have 'life' consequences and sometimes do not come cheap.

 

My two cents....

One thing I have learned is that you have to put your foot down and not give in. They may be mad now but they will understand and get over it. It makes you feel like a shlep sometimes but you are the parent and its your job to make sure you are parenting.

 

I have a 15 yr old daughter and let me tell you I have said NO plenty and I've had doors slammed, things mumbled and nasty looks but they always get over it.

I know that all my kids are good kids, they have the basic priniciples in their head but it just takes that 1 second decision that can cause a life changing situation. I've seen it at the high school that I teach in and I've seen it in my kids friends. The one thing that I will never say is that my kid wouldn't do something - because it could happen.

 

Along with this is girls easier to raise than boys? I see a major difference in the way girls are today as compared to when I was in high school. They seem to be a lot more agressive and demanding.

So far (and I always stress, SO FAR), none of my kids has given me a lot of trouble. However, my daughter as definately been the greatest challenge.

 

I think overall, girls are more emotional than boys, and usually have better verbal skills. That, and add in the mother/daughter thing........deadly combination at times:scared:

So far (and I always stress, SO FAR), none of my kids has given me a lot of trouble. However, my daughter as definately been the greatest challenge.

 

I think overall, girls are more emotional than boys, and usually have better verbal skills. That, and add in the mother/daughter thing........deadly combination at times:scared:

 

Amen to that.

I have to agree the teenage years are the worst. The best thing about it is they turn 20 and for the most part a brain magically reappears.

Along with this is girls easier to raise than boys? I see a major difference in the way girls are today as compared to when I was in high school. They seem to be a lot more agressive and demanding.

 

I think parenting in general is a everyday challenge (and also coming from a family of seven girls).

I, no way, no how could raise a girl at this day an age. I am hard enough on my two boys but I would be even harder on girls. There would be no dressing scantily clad and tons of make-up. There would be no "well so and so got a $200 pair of shoes...so I need them too". I could go on and on but I think I have made my point.

Have to agree, girls are worse. To much pressure on having the right clothes, right boyfriend etc. They are way more expensive (dresses for dances, tanning, etc.)

Children are simultaneously your greatest joy and greatest burden.

We have a 15 yr old son, and soon to be 12 yr old daughter (this Friday). I don't know if it's gotten harder or if it's just that the problems/situations have merely evolved over the years. To our 15 yr old, we have been relegated to the role of financial assistance providers.

I could have written this same scenario word for word. I also have a wonderful 17 year old daughter who will be leaving the nest for WKU next fall. I have all the confidence in the world that she will continue to make good decisions and become a good, decent, productive member of society someday. However, I have to say that not only does it get more difficult as they get older it also gets much more expensive (cars, insurance, proms, school rings, jackets, dates, and much more too numerous to mention). :jump:

 

Hey . . . she's going to my alma mater!!!!!

 

GO BIG RED!!!!!!

 

You forgot to mention all the SENIOR STUFF . . . pictures, invitations, cap/gown, Tshirts, hoodies . . . etc!!! It's just NEVER ENDING!!!!!

It depends on the job that you do when they are young. The better the job that you do the easier it is when they're older.......

 

I agree with that to a point but unfortunately, the societal climate (DRUGS) has turned many, many, many young people from wonderful, supportive, and grounded parents/families against everything they were taught throughout their lives. :cry: