#1
#2
I had a depressive episode when I was a teenager and one day i had finally the strength to clean up my room and it felt sort of liberating. I was actually enjoying it until my mother came into my room said "oh you are cleaning your room like I told you a thousand times".
It killed all my drive. Suddenly i wasn't doing it for myself but for her. It made my depression just much worse.
When your kid is doing something productive, don't say anything. Don't mention it, don't make a comment, just treat it like a normal thing.
To get an opinion from the other side of the barricades, we contacted Vicki Broadbent, writer, director, broadcaster, and founder of the award-winning family and lifestyle blog Honest Mum.
She has a toddler, tween, and teen of her own, and told Bored Panda, "I think parents, and I'm guilty of this myself, often forget what it's like to be a teenager, especially as our generations grew up in completely different worlds."
Vicki, author of Mumboss (UK) and The Working Mom (the US and Canada) said, "The social media pressures apparent now are huge and most teens would rather stay in and socialize online as opposed to being out in the park or at a disco like I did at their age."
#3
It was just awkward and embarrassing. We aren't douchey frat bros talking about my latest conquest... that's my girlfriend and you're my father. I don't want to talk about sex with you, and I don't want you to make weird sexualized comments as if she was some piece of meat.
#4
Many share her sentiments. There are big debates about what it's like to be a teenager these days, and technology’s impact is often at the center of these conversations.
For example, among the 69% of U.S. parents of 13-to-17-year-olds who say being a teenager today is harder than it was two decades ago, 41% blame social media, 26% cite technology in general (other than social media), 16% point to additional societal pressures and expectations, and 15% believe it’s due to the world or country changing in a negative way.
#5
#6
"I know I can often be too hard on my teen and tween for being online too much and have to remind myself that the internet is a huge part of their socialization with others, be it playing games or chatting. It's just important to monitor usage to keep them safe," Vicki Broadbent of Honest Mum added.
"Parenting teens can be challenging as you help navigate and support them through hormonal changes, friendship woes and the pressure of exams. It takes empathy and tolerance, rather like raising a toddler! Try not to take teens' rages personally. My greatest advice is to try to access therapy yourself so you can show up as the parent you want to be. By doing the above, you will nurture and grow your bond."
#7
#8
They once wanted me to get a job, so i did. It was full time seasonal and paid well, just 30min drive. Scolded me for not finding something closer. Made me call my manager and apologize for wasting their time and resign. THEN got mad at me for that and made me call back my manager and ask for my job back, within 10min. I was 16 or 17 at the time.
Next time i got a job i told them as i was leaving the house to said job.
It was really frustrating growing up and always expecting a negative reaction out of the gate.
Fortunately, teens are reporting notable improvements in their mental and physical health, happiness, and motivation compared to the pandemic period. Currently, 45% say their relationships with immediate family have become much or somewhat better, while 49% report the same for their closest friendships. Additionally, 45% feel more motivated, 42% describe themselves as happier, and 49% believe their physical health has improved. Meanwhile, 36% note progress in their mental health, reflecting a positive shift in overall well-being.
#9
I’m very thin (due to an eating disorder in High School) and dated girls until I was 24. The 3 major girlfriends I had during that time were all heavier than me, and they’d even say it about them, usually immediately after they’d leave the room. My mom is on the heavier side, so I’m sure it was just self consciousness and lack of confidence on her part, but it drove me f*****g *nuts.*
At one point I remember turning to my mom and saying “and what SHOULD she be wearing?” She didn’t have a response.
#10
#11
... guess who just got diagnosed with anxiety at age 20!
#13
#15
Also my parents love to play videos on their phone out loud especially when I'm trying to read or watch something.
#16
#17
#19
#20
Anyone’s parents work for a cheese factory? I got the hook up for wafer crackers.