Hi everyone -

[Control-Z]

I just found this group. Are there many single parents that visit this board? (with teens)

[knowbody0]

1. im in that category

14, 15, and 16 year olds. how's it going?

me? half the time i feel like the warden.

[Control-Z]

2. And I thought I had it rough.

You certainly are in that category. Boys? Girls? Mine are 12, 15, (and 21) and they are out to put me either in the farm or into an early grave. The oldest was all grown up and responsible but has regressed lately. (long story) I know exactly what you mean when you say warden. And my 12 year old wants to be best friends. lol (that was hysterical laughter.) She doesn't see any conflict.

Honestly, I had no idea it would be like this – raising kids. Two days ago I would have traded my 12 year old for the neighbor's pit bull. The same night my 15 year old son was out setting his buddies straight on women’s rights. It’s a roller coaster.

[knowbody0]

3. roller coaster is good analogy

my biological 3 are grown. i adopted 3 siblings i had fostered 10 years ago. so, im experienced but really weary. it's good most of the time. the best advice given to me is to not take their bs personally, just know it's part of them becoming autonomous.

girl 14, boy 15, girl 16. i am truly blessed by these three but believe im going straight to heaven when the time comes.

cheers

[Control-Z]

4. It takes a special person to do what you are doing.

I can only imagine how exhausting it must be. I like your advice about not taking the bs personally. I grew up without a mom so I'm shooting from the hip as a mother and I do take every conflict personally. Thanks for the advice.