dealing with children that are now on their teens...

I have one 16 year old boy and one soon to be 19 year old boy. My oldest is now in college. It's kind of funny, but my husband (the kid's step-dad) thought I would fall apart when my oldest went off to college. My boys and I have always been close, and I have a great relationship with them, even though the youngest tries my patience sometimes. I'm actually doing very well with it. He calls home frequently, just to talk. He comes home every couple weeks for a visit. It's funny, but his last year at home, he was always so busy, I rarely saw him. My son calls me from school, asking this or that, and knows that he can call me at any hour for any reason, and he has. But I've raised both of my kids to know they can come to me for anything. My youngest, well he does try my patience, and he's trying to do more at his age than his brother was allowed to and I have to put my foot down. I guess I feel like I've done a pretty good job raising them and they know right from wrong. They respect themselves and others and if they get into more than they can handle, they know they can count on my advice or help. Just today, I had a call from my oldest while I was shopping at wal-mart. He got a 10-99 form in the mail from one of his team roping events. He wasn't sure what it was, and was worried it would effect his taxes. He thought maybe it was a bill. He was really worried about it. Well, since he and I are partners in a horse training business, I assured him that it was perfectly normal, and that form was just the event producer following the tax rules to make sure he reported his winnings and that it was not a problem, as we keep records for everything, and it was already claimed on his taxes, which were done last week. (And if you keep good records, and file electronicly, you can just put those forms with your paper copy of your tax return.) He was super relieved, he thought he had to file something else. Anyway, I know he still needs Mom from time to time, even if he's just bored and wants someone to talk to or whatever. The rules here at the house have changed for him somewhat, since he is an adult, I don't have a curfew for him, but I do expect him to call if he's going to be real late, so I am not up worrying. He comes and goes as he pleases, but he's still asking if I care if he goes to "so and so's house for a couple hours, or whatever. I usually laugh and tell him, you know, you are a grown up now, you don't have to tell me your every move. His reply.. "Well, I didn't know if you needed me to help with anything or not before I left.... I guess what it boils down to is that if you have been a supportive parent, it will all work out in the end.

My girls are 14 and 17... so far, they still count on me for a lot. I'm very, very lucky to be close with my girls. My youngest has always shared more with me than my oldest, but my oldest still comes to me with problems. She's going to college in the fall and I know that things will change when she leaves *cry*... it's going to be very, very hard on me... But I still have 4 more years with my youngest! lol! Once they are both gone, I don't know what I'll do....

My daughter's only three years old and I can already see that she is going to have that attitude issue that they go through. Hopefully we make it through it. I'm young and hopefully can have enough patience with her when she doesn't think she needs me.

I too have 2 teenage daughters, that are now going their own way. It so hurtful to being with.. But I have 3 labrador's that take up a lot of my time, and Im always wanted by them, which is fantastic, as I got to feel quite lonely not having my girls about depending on me. Teenager's need and will find their own feet now. God forbid!!!!!!!!!! :)

My daughter is ten years old and I am dealing with the wanting her privacy and not wanting to talk to me anymore. But what makes it hard for me is that I share custody with my ex husband so she lives with him and on the weekends and during summer break she stays with me. Her body and hormones are changing so she gets very upset with me and its hard to deal with at times but I manage. It hurts but I also know that no matter what she loves me and its just a phase. I give her space but still let her know that mom is around without being overbearing. I let her know that I am always here if she wants to talk but what she is going through is normal and not to worry. Her biggest fear is getting her period so we are discussing what is going to happen and what it all means. But I am surviving and yes it does hurt but when she does hug me and says mom I love you or your so cool then the hurt doesnt seem so bad. I know when my other daughter goes through the same thing then it wont be so upsetting for me.