Terrible twos, teenage issues all spell distressing times for parenting teams. Teenagers often expected to be more mature, may disappointingly wet and soil like infants do. The difference is advanced mess, the mess comes in words and actions as they have grown in ‘many’ ways!
Managing the teenage mess is no different. Acknowledge what needs be done, admit it stinks and clear it up, just like you would your infant’s poo. The training needs to follow, to prevent bad history is not repeated. Consequences or measures to prevent a repeat, need therefore be ensured.
The most important lesson though is hold your peace. Your distress best not be apparent, else it could become a game that gives them thrills – knowingly or unknowingly to them. A peeing infant when being dressed up soon thinks it fun if mummy screams. Possess your soul, remind yourself it is a mess you can manage!
A helpful tip is a mouthful of water not swallowed when the storm is raging, whilst you keep in mind you are in charge!
A butterfly would is beautiful. Preceding stages however are not as glorious to see: an egg conceived goes through various stages including a fascinating but not necessarily attractive caterpillar. The right atmosphere and nurturing and protective results in the butterfly emerging. Trauma during metamorphosis is bound to result in defects in the butterfly, physical or functional.
Enjoy every bit of parenting!