I first stumbled upon the term “threenager” while browsing a parenting blog. The idea is that 3-year-olds exhibit behaviors similar to teenagers. While there may be some truth to that, having a teenager in the house is an entirely different experience. In my opinion, teenagers are far more intimidating than threenagers. Here’s why:
1. Teenagers Have Size on Their Side
When a teenager is upset, they can physically overpower you if they want. Meanwhile, a 3-year-old might only be able to reach your knees. Sure, they can bite, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you have a towering figure with anger-fueled eyes staring you down.
2. Their Voices Are Thunderous
When a teenager is upset, they no longer express it in a cute, high-pitched voice. I used to chuckle when my 3-year-old would exclaim, “I don’t LIKE this!” Now, when my teenager bellows, “Nothing is going right today!” it’s not so amusing, especially when the walls seem to shake.
3. Public Outbursts Come With Judgment
When a teenager throws a tantrum in public, people are quick to judge. They expect older kids to manage their emotions better. In contrast, when a 3-year-old acts out, onlookers often give sympathetic glances to the parent, as if to say, “We’ve all been there.” But a teenager’s outburst often leads to whispers about juvenile detention.
4. Their Desires Are Pricey
A 3-year-old might beg for a simple toy, but a teenager is likely to ask for the latest smartphone. You’d think that as kids grow up, their requests would become less expensive, but that’s just not the case.
5. They Have Insatiable Appetites
You’ll witness a teenager devour a whole pizza in one sitting, while a 3-year-old will nibble at their food. It’s astonishing when a teenager claims, “There’s nothing to eat!” just moments after finishing a meal. You might be left scratching your head after a recent grocery run.
6. Their Moods Shift Rapidly
One moment they are in fits of laughter, and the next, they’re sulking and declaring, “My life is over.” Yes, 3-year-olds can also have mood swings, but hearing a teenager lament their existence is a completely different level of anxiety.
7. Their Words Carry Weight
A 3-year-old may call you a “poopy-head,” but a teenager can articulate their feelings in a way that cuts deep. They might compose a heartfelt message about how you’ve ruined their life, and unlike a toddler who will tire out, a teenager can go on for hours.
8. Silence Can Be Scary
A 3-year-old is rarely quiet, but if a teenager goes silent, it raises alarms. You start to wonder, are they experimenting with substances? Are they being bullied? All you’ll get is a vague “I’m fine.” Meanwhile, a 3-year-old would eagerly share tales from their day, like “Janie picked her boogers!”
In summary, teenagers can be downright terrifying. Sometimes, I find myself wishing my teenager could revert to their 3-year-old self. But then I remember the challenges of leaving a toddler home alone and recognize that perhaps it’s better to keep the teenage version around—even if they do send shivers down my spine sometimes.
For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this helpful piece on home insemination kits. Additionally, for those looking to understand more about uterine health, you can visit Understanding Uterine Polyps. For a broader look at pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF’s blog is an excellent resource.