So, it's been a while. Teens have started back to school and college and everything is changing.
Teen2 had her 14th birthday. We went to a gaming event and she met her favourite youtuber which has made her entire life let alone just her birthday.
But, no one told the that along with turning 14 comes some struggling times. Not for them necessarily but for me as a parent. Different sets at school bring different friendship groups. This is fine and normal life, but a sudden change in always wanting to be out with mates (and boys!?!) rather than being a home bod like I have been used to brings new challenges.
1. Everyone else is out
2. Everyone else is allowed out when it's dark
3. Such and such is allowed to walk home in the dark
The dark part worries me tremendously. Justified or not I am really struggling with this and of course she cannot understand why. I have tried talking it through in my mind and I always come out with irrational replies (yeah sounds crazy!) There are so many bad scenarios that go through my mind it's ridiculous. I really am not sure how to cope with this, so if anyone else is going through the same or has been and can help please let me know. I have also tried talking to her and get the standard don't worry it's fine mum response. I'm sure I was the same at that age but boy, it's hard.
Teen1 has started driving lessons which he is absolutely loving. At last, something he is interested in as well as the PlayStation ! His mates have started passing their driving tests and he is going out more. This is also strange as he has always been more of a home bod than Teen2! The other afternoon/eve I ended up babysitting an empty house. Yup believe it or not that's what happened. Both teens were out, last minute arrangements so I was left home alone. Now this may sound like absolute bliss which normally would be lovely apart from my irrational worrying. I hope his mate drives safe, what if they have an accident, is his mate ok driving when it's dark, etc etc. This brings me onto teen1 wanting to go to Thorpe Park with his mates in the half term, again I'm like, it's a long way, can his mate drive on a motorway, it will be really dark driving on the motorway on the way home.......I know I need to manage this and writing this is making me think I am a crazy lady, but I wanted to share his with you. When I started this blog it was always to be about struggles (& joys) of teenage parenting. This is my struggle.
Maybe it's to do with losing control and having different routines. I've had to slightly change my hours due to college drop offs and pick ups which means teen2 has to let herself in and be on her own for an hour for a couple of days. I hate it, I hate the fact I'm not there when she gets home, she on the other hand probably loves it! I have always been there when the kids get home from school and am on a mini guilt trip about this.
I try to be a cool mum, probably to the horror of the teens, but I am in danger of losing that coolness ! Get a grip I hear you shout !!!!!
Even the Great British Bake Off is changing, but don't get me started on that haha
Having more time to myself makes me realise how lonely I am as well, but I think I'll leave that for another time. Let me know if you want me to talk about that.
Toodlepip for now doodlebugs
xx
