Coming home to your young child is an absolute joy, isn’t it? When your child is under the age of ten, their excitement to see you is palpable. They often rush to the door, exclaiming, “Hi! Where were you? What are we doing now? Can I eat? Let’s play! Come look at the bone I found!” Having a preschooler or elementary schooler feels like being greeted by an exuberant golden retriever puppy—so thrilled to be in your presence that they nearly knock you over!
In stark contrast, returning home to a tween or teenager offers a completely different experience. After a while, they might casually stroll into the kitchen and ask, “When did you get back? Is there food?” There’s a real chance they didn’t even realize you were gone. If they did take notice, it’s more likely to be accompanied by a demand or complaint, like “Where have you been?!” The transition from the enthusiastic puppy stage to the discontented feline phase can be quite distressing for parents. Friends with older kids may have warned us, but we often think, “That won’t happen to us!”
One major difference between having a cat and a dog is the training aspect. Cats can be more challenging to train. However, we must still put in the effort, as there’s no returning them to a shelter in hopes of a better fit. Interestingly, you could consider a high school exchange student and attempt to send your own teenager to a family in Sweden or Mexico who might have lower expectations of an American adolescent. But, since you’ll likely be living with them through their “cat-like” years, giving up isn’t an option; otherwise, they might create chaos at home.
Training a cat isn’t like training a puppy. While puppies generally respond to rewards and consequences, cats require a more diplomatic approach. They appreciate respect, and even when their behavior isn’t ideal, genuine love and respect can encourage them to comply with our sometimes unreasonable requests. Yelling at a cat will likely result in a blank stare, as if you’ve sprouted three heads.
The key to navigating your relationship with a tween or teen is to embrace the reality of having a feline-like companion. Keep in mind that a well-cared-for and disciplined cat can eventually evolve into an adult you admire and respect. Even better, one who appreciates you and greets you at the door with enthusiasm.
To explore more about family planning options, check out this excellent resource from Resolve on intrauterine insemination. If you’re interested in home insemination options, you might find our guide on artificial insemination kits helpful.
In summary, while the transition from the joyful puppy years of childhood to the more complex feline years of adolescence can be challenging, it’s essential to approach this shift with understanding and patience. With time, you may find that your once cranky teen blossoms into a thoughtful and appreciative adult.