Having had my son at 25, I often find myself in the unique position of being a young parent to a teenager while my friends are still navigating the world of toddlers. While they discuss ballet recitals and soccer games, I’m busy planning prom tuxedo rentals and enjoying my son’s blossoming relationship with a mostly sane girlfriend. Whenever someone expresses dread about the teen years, I can’t help but smile. Give me a teenager any day over a little kid. Here’s why:
- Cinematic Freedom
Forget Frozen and its incessantly annoying songs. I’ve never had to endure that cultural phenomenon. Instead, I get to enjoy real movies with my son—no animated distractions or cringeworthy songs required. - Strength in Emergencies
My son has the physical capability to carry me out of a burning building. Sure, he might choose to save his girlfriend first, but he could save me. Your third grader? Not so much. They’d probably dissolve into a puddle of tears when faced with an emergency. - Jar Opening Skills
Teens seem to possess a unique ability to open stubborn water bottles and jars. It’s as if all that texting has given them superhuman strength. I no longer struggle with impossible seals! - No Awkward Explanations
My son knows where babies come from and finds them rather annoying. No more stork stories or “tummy” discussions—he’s got it all figured out and knows how to prevent any surprises. - Sleep Champion
He sleeps like a champion, often so late that I worry he’s taken a permanent nap. Even on Christmas, he surprised me by sleeping in and making coffee when he finally emerged. Can your little one do that? - Independent Driving
With a driver’s license in hand, my son can run errands for me while I relax in my pajamas. No more endless trips to various activities—he’s got it covered, much to my delight. - Learning Patience
Sure, he does things that test my patience, but that’s nothing compared to the trials of parenting toddlers. It’s a different kind of challenge, albeit one I’m learning to navigate. - Chores Without Whining
He takes care of chores I’d prefer to avoid, like cleaning up after the dog. Your little darling would likely throw a fit after picking up just one mess. - Humor That Hits the Mark
My son’s jokes may be inappropriate, but they’re genuinely funny. No more knock-knock jokes at dinner; we share real laughs that keep us on our toes. - Lightning-Fast Eater
He can finish dinner before I even set the table. With a teenage appetite, there’s no coaxing him to eat his vegetables. Meals disappear in record time, making me question if they were ever there.
While parenting a teen comes with its own set of challenges, I still prefer it over the antics of a younger child. Plus, I only have to buy one set of Christmas gifts now, which is a definite bonus! If you’re interested in other parenting topics, check out our post on home insemination kits for more insights, and for pregnancy-related questions, visit this excellent resource on pregnancy. For specific inquiries, Emma’s second trimester questions are also addressed by experts in the field.
In conclusion, the teenage years may be challenging, but the advantages clearly outweigh the nuisances. I’ll take my teen any day over a Santa-believing elementary school kid.