Many parents believe that caring for newborns is the hardest stage, thinking it gets easier as kids grow older. While they do gain independence, teenagers bring their own set of challenges, like rebellion and a desire for freedom. Accepting that your child is growing into an independent individual can be challenging.

Story 1:

I have two adult daughters, and I’m sad to say I adore one more than the other. It’s tough to love someone who keeps pushing you away. My eldest has always been rude and spiteful. She ran away to study elsewhere at 18 and now calls only every three months, visiting just once a year for her grandma’s birthday. The younger one, meanwhile, is much more affectionate. © Ward #6, VK

Story 2:

I’ve always wanted to learn pull-ups but never had the drive. Now I have a teenage daughter and it’s tough, but I love her and stay calm. When our conversations get tense, I do pull-ups and drink water to cool off. Interestingly, I’ve now learned to do pull-ups without any assistance. © Overheard / Ideas

Story 3:

My sister limits her son’s computer time, setting a timer each evening. When she and our dad went out, I stayed with my nephew. He asked why I didn’t remind him about bedtime, then accused me of not caring about him. He then set his own bedtime and went to sleep early. © Spiteful 1990 / Pikabu.

Story 4:

I overheard this conversation between a mother and her 12-year-old daughter on a train. The mom offered to buy her an expensive phone for school, but the girl wisely declined, suggesting they save the money for grandma’s dental care instead. It felt like I was in a parallel universe. © Trapezium / Pikabu

Story 5:

Here’s a tip for couples with teens. We have two who are always fighting. We own a rural house 15 minutes away from our main home. When things get too much, we leave them at home for a while, usually on weekends. They refuse to join us due to the poor internet there, but it gives us a break and the kids end up doing better without us. © #GoodMotherhood/VK

Story 6:

I never restricted my sons’ activities, which led to their rebellion being short-lived. Now in their mid-20s, they are responsible family men. They prefer staying home and doing chores over spontaneous outings. Meanwhile, I’m 52 and still enjoy riding my bike at night. © Doovy/Pikabu.

Story 7:

Our teenage son brought home a girl with blue hair, piercings, and tattoos. My husband was concerned, but I welcomed them, made a cake, and gave them money for movies. Afterward, I showed my husband old photos of my own rebellious teenage years. We shouldn’t judge youth by their appearance. © Full Story/VK

Story 8:

My 15-year-old daughter has a 20-year-old friend. They met online and share interests. I trust her, and let her go to his birthday party. His mother reassured me she would sleep on the living room sofa. Ultimately, the only person I trust here is my daughter. © feldkurat / Pikabu

Story 9:

Yesterday, my son invited me for an evening stroll. He’s almost 22 and lives with us. When my husband and daughter declined to join, my son took me along with his friends. We walked, ate fast food, and rode electric scooters. It was such a joy! © #MotherhoodHappiness / VK

Story 10:

My 16-year-old daughter was upset, claiming I don’t love her because I give her too much freedom. Her friends have strict curfews and supervised activities, but I let her make her own choices. Sometimes, teenagers interpret love as control. © Asaly / Pikabu

Story 11:

My niece, who is 14, had a tantrum over her ‘horrible childhood’ because she has rules like curfews and phone limitations. She believes her friends have fewer restrictions, but she’s quite gullible. It’s hard when they think you don’t understand them. © Evadoll/ Pikabu

Story 12:

My 16-year-old thinks she’s mature enough to make her own decisions. When she had to call her new, strict biology teacher, she became scared and asked me to do it for her. It reminded me that despite their bravado, teens still need our support.

Story 13:

My teenage daughter has learned to make pancakes with various fillings and makes them often. They’re delicious, but I’ve gained weight from eating too many. I don’t have the heart to tell her to stop. © Overheard / Ideer