WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RAISING A TEENAGER

(May, 2023) A parent asked the readers of Fark.com, “I am now the parent of a teenager. What should I look forward to?” Some of the responses:
– “Mood swings, lots of quiet, lots of *UGH*.”
– “Skyrocketing grocery bills. And never anything to eat at home.”
– “The stench of male teens – either natural or Axe-enhanced.”
– “For the love of god, knock (and leave a long pause) before entering bedrooms.”
– “Lots and lots of rebellion. You will become the uncool pariah your kid can’t be seen with any more. You will know and understand nothing, and everything you do to protect them from the world will be totally unfair and can they please have a hundred bucks?”
– (For dads) “You need to invest in a pair of white New Balance sneakers.”
– “Girls are often picky eaters but if they invite a boy over for lunch or dinner be prepared for him to eat everything on the table.”
– “Told my daughter to clean her room and she said ” Why do you care? You don’t have to look at it.” So I took off her bedroom door.”
– “Patience. Remember that everything that happens to them is the most important thing that ever happened in the history of happening.”
– “Learn to speak Mumble.”
– “Being able to kick them out in 5 years.”
* PHONE TOPIC: What are your challenges in raising a teenager?