The old parenting adage goes, “Bigger kids, bigger problems.” You know, like when they sue you for college money after emancipating themselves or they steal a truck for a joy ride that involves 23 crashes.
But as the parent of two teens, I can attest that with bigger kids, there are bigger perks as well. Here are some of my everyday favorites:
- Nobody has a temper tantrum because their sneakers light up in blue and they want it to be green.
- You can sleep even if other people in the house are still awake.
- Free snow shoveling and snow-blowing. (Also, leaf blowing and lawn mowing, but after this winter, I can barely remember those.)
- You can usually find ear buds and phone chargers to “borrow” from them.
- There may be someone in your house now who actually enjoys driving and will, therefore, has no problem stopping by the supermarket to pick up something for dinner.
- Sick days no longer mean, “no work, all CandyLand for the big people.”
- Teens are self-cleaning.
- They are willing and able to sleep in.
- And they get the joke.
- Gone are the days where you have to dress them like Dr. Seuss or a rock star or an astronaut for some sort of school event that’s tomorrow, and yet you just found out. And it’s 9 p.m.
- At least now if you’re buying Chinese plastic, it’s made into something that can text or search the web, and not something shaped like a “snow wand” that plays “Let it Go,” randomly, at 3 a.m.
- Look on the floor… take your pick of boots, jackets, gloves, hats, whatever you need. Chances are, they fit!
- What’s that sound…someone else feeding the cat/bringing in the garbage can/turning off the outside lights/rebooting the Tivo/emptying the dishwasher! (Well, let’s not get cocky. Probably not the dishwasher.)
- The car seat is in your husband’s car. Wait…that doesn’t matter anymore.
- Look! You’re sitting!
Please, share more perks below.
Just last night my husband & I were still at the store when the 11yr old had to get to volleyball practice. Enter the 18yr old to save the day & get her there in time! Also, intersting & informative conversations. (though some of those when they were little were hilarious!)