stage that is difficult to handle?

I have SS15, SD12 and DS1. I think in my situation, the pre-teen/teen years have been the hardest. A lot of that has to do with problems caused & created by their mom though. I know the whole hormone thing is a huge problem with attitudes, but I wonder how they would be if DH and I had been able to raise them ourselves all these years. We're finally getting the chance to find out with DS. He's only 14 months, and is so much more easygoing and fun to deal with - even during his bad days. It's a blessing to know that he won't have to grow up with all of the psychological BS that my stepkids have had. I hope that his teen years go much smoother. :-)

i think after the adolescence stage would be most difficult. because after that one has to decide things more seriously. he has to have his own dispositions and to make a do or die type of decisions. also he needs to be planning for his future so his decisions are really vital on what type of future he'll have.

Teenagers are very much a handful. My son and I have a common ground. If he needs time to cool off I allow it but then he has to give me the respect to sit down and talk about it. I have told him I am not always right but I have his best interest at heart all the time. Letting him know that I love him and controlling myself we are getting through it. They are good children they just need to be guided like little adults with a different rules.