When my boys were very young, I used to worry about the teen years, particularly the early teen years. I'm a high school teacher, and I love teenagers. They can be challenging, but I handle them well, and they generally like and respect me, too, but I know it's different when they are your own. I was horrible when I was 13, and 14 was even worse. My mother and I are very close, but she tells me all the time how awful those years were. I treated my brother horribly, even though I love him so much. We were extremely close before those years and after, just not during.
So, I am pleased to report that my 14 year old son has surprised me. He is a delight to be around! I know that he could turn in to a total terror sometime in the next few years, but so far he is amazing. I am so proud of him. He is kind and compassionate, gets excellent grades, is kind to his brother - I could go on and on, but you get the idea. :) The best part is that he genuinely enjoys being with us. At 14, he still likes his family. He has lots of good friends, and enjoys spending time with them, but he enjoys spending time with us, too. He talks to me about everything. I'm so thankful for that.
What have you been pleasantly surprised by lately?
I haven't been so blessed, but I will say that it is fortunate that children inherit from BOTH parents and not just one, so there's always hope a child will take after the better of the two.
Happy Birthday to your boy!
My son also turned 14 recently :) He is a joy as well. Occasional teenage drama and stubbornness but nothing serious. Loves his family, has good friends, started being more responsible about his school and is talking to me about everything. He grows like crazy! I constantly buy larger clothes and longer pants!
God bless!
My teen sons are the same way! It is a such a joy . . .
I have been plesantly suprised by my sons' compassion lately. Both of them have been showing a maturity that is beyond their 8 and 5 years (ok 5 at end of month).
Congrats on enjoying your children and taking pride in a job well-done! You deserve it:)
My son is 12 1/2 & is exactly the way you describe yours. He is an honest-to-God pleasure to be around pretty much all the time.
My daughter, however, will be 11 next month and well......she's not quite so easy-going & hasn't been for about a year or 2. Guess you can't win 'em all, huh?
Good job, mama! Enjoy his day today!
Oh, I'm so happy for you! You've done good. This is the single most biggest fear of mine as a mother. My son will only be 10 this summer, but I'm already almost tearing up about it! My daughter will be eight. It goes by so fast, too fast. Even though I'm excited about them growing up, part of me mourns the little people they used to be :(
This has been a gradual surprise. I too have a son about that age. He is 15 1/2. He was a demanding, colicky infant and at ages 3 and 4 he was a terror. He was diagnosed with multiple behavioral conditions and the stories I could tell! I was terrified of what he was going to be like as a teenager. Well, he really started mellowing about age 6 and 7. Although he's always been high energy he is now a delight and one of the best teenagers I know. Does well in school, works hard at his sports and plays two musical instruments. My only complaint is the way he antagonizes his little brother. I can't fully explain the gradual turn-around, but his previous "conditions" turned out to be mis-diagnosed and he is a joy to all who spend time with him. Happy birthday to your son.
I have one 18 year old daughter and she has been a real joy her entire life! I have loved every stage thus far, even the dreaded teenage years have been awesome.
She MADE me take last Friday off so we could spend all day and night at Disneyland/California Adventure before she went back to college. Such a fun day together!!
