I absolutely adore a good party—any party really, but especially those lively nighttime dance gatherings. Bar mitzvahs hold a special place in my heart. Think balloon bouquets, fancy dresses, shimmering shoes, and disco lights. Add in colorful candies, sparkling eyes, laughter, and the thrill of dancing to classic tracks like “Footloose.” The boys, charmingly awkward, and the girls, bubbly and sweet, create an atmosphere where even the parents get swept up in the excitement, claiming, “Yes, it’s all about that bass!” Good times indeed.
Just a few weeks ago, we hosted my son’s bar mitzvah, and it had all the bells and whistles. The DJ may have overlooked “Footloose,” but he redeemed himself by bringing his own trumpet to accompany Macklemore. There were cake pops, jars filled with jelly beans, glow sticks, and even a screen to showcase all those fun Instagram moments created by the kids (and adults). Yes, it was a fantastic celebration—2014-style.
However, it also came with an unanticipated twist—2014-style trouble. As we were finalizing the wholesome dance-party details, the screen and unique hashtag generated a wave of excitement. Photos of my kids, their friends, and DJ Will with his trumpet flashed across the projector, each accompanied by witty captions. But then came the unexpected—images of a snail, something that resembled a hairy backside, an ominous clown, a toilet, and two horses in a rather compromising position. Were they horses or goats?
Just when I thought it couldn’t get weirder, a provocative image of Miley Cyrus in skin-tight attire appeared on the screen. That’s when it hit me: we were in Trouble. Those not-so-sneaky, barely-teenage boys were using their stealthy Instagram accounts to post inappropriate photos for everyone to see.
Caught off guard, we swiftly shut down the projector and took down the screen. We coaxed everyone onto the dance floor with Hava Nagila, engaging in the kind of synchronized dancing that only occurs during traditional celebrations. Note to self: teenage boys will be teenage boys, even in their awkwardness.
How did I forget that? It wasn’t the boys’ antics that troubled me; it was my own naivety. I was surprised by my lack of foresight. For a moment, I didn’t consider that my creative, technology-driven display of fun would open the door to typical teenage rule-breaking. How could I have overlooked that?
Usually, I’m not a naive, gullible parent. I remember my own teenage misadventures, and I fully expect my children to tread similar paths—perhaps with even greater risks involved. The innocent mischief we engaged in is child’s play compared to orchestrating an undercover campaign of inappropriate photos.
I’ve always told my kids that if they’re considering something with the slightest hint of danger or impropriety, I’ve likely tried it myself. Whether it was sneaking drinks on school grounds or lying about my whereabouts, I’ve been there. But the new-age challenges they face—like online gaming, twerking, SnapChat, and cyberbullying—are foreign to me. Am I texting my mom or the girl next door, or maybe my dealer? I’m definitely out of my depth.
While I might not be able to predict the next wave of teen trends due to my lack of experience in their digital realm, one thing’s for sure: there will always be a next. Teenagers will find a way to push boundaries, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s all part of the adventure of growing up—filled with fun and, yes, trouble. 2014-style.
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In summary, raising teens today can be a wild ride filled with unexpected twists, especially with the influence of technology. Parents need to stay aware and engaged, even when they feel out of the loop, to effectively guide their children through modern-day challenges.