Parenting
7 Surprising Benefits of Parenting Teenagers
by Emily Carter
Updated: Dec. 16, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 6, 2015
During my pregnancies, I experienced severe nausea. There were times I had to stop my car to vomit or leave a classroom of seventh graders to find the nearest restroom. One day, while I was feeling particularly unwell, a fellow teacher, who had already navigated the teenage years, shared this piece of advice: “You think this is tough? Just wait until they hit their teens.”
Surprisingly, not only did her comment fail to ease my sickness, but it also turned out to be quite inaccurate. Now, with three teenagers and one pre-teen living under my roof, I can confirm that, despite the loud music and the constant battle for couch space during family movie nights, the teenage years have brought along some unexpected joys.
Here are seven perks of having teenagers that I truly appreciate:
- I Have Built-in Tech Support.
It took me ages to figure out how to use the television remote until my son gave me a quick tutorial. Now, I’ve mastered emojis! Why type out my feelings when I can express them with a hundred different icons? My teens are also great at troubleshooting tech issues, teaching me shortcuts on my devices, and even adjusting the settings in my car. - I Have a Personal Driver.
With my kids being older, I can enjoy dining out without worrying about frequent bathroom trips or entertaining little ones. The best part? I can now indulge in that extra margarita without a second thought! - I Have My Own Staff.
Not only do my older kids drive me home from dinners, but they can also help with errands. They can take their younger sibling to practice or pick up groceries, giving me more time to prepare meals for our growing family. This arrangement is a win-win! - Always a Netflix Buddy.
With two teenage daughters, I have plenty of company for movie nights, especially when it comes to classic rom-coms. I also find myself reading John Green novels—to spark discussions about important life topics with them. It’s a fantastic excuse to dive into great literature. - Fashion Advisors on Call.
Thanks to my teens’ keen insights, I avoid major style mistakes. They keep me in check, ensuring I don’t embarrass myself with questionable fashion choices. Their feedback has saved me from many fashion faux pas. - A House Full of Friends.
While some say you can’t be friends with your children, I beg to differ. Although I maintain my role as a parent, my kids share a great sense of humor and are truly interesting individuals. As long as they respect my rules, I cherish the friendship we share.
I haven’t seen that teacher from the lounge in ages; she retired long ago. If I ever do run into her, I’ll be glad to share that my teenagers haven’t made me sick, and most days, having them around is a delightful experience. For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our post on the Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re interested in learning more about feeding infants, visit this resource. For information on fertility, check out this article.
Summary:
Having teenagers can seem daunting, but there are numerous unexpected benefits to parenting them. From tech support and designated drivers to having a house full of friends, the teenage years bring unique joys that make the challenges worthwhile.