Scream.

12 Most Exasperating Responses Teens Bestow on Their Parents

Surviving the teenage years is something every parent must go through, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. Sometimes it softens the blow when we try to find the humor in this difficult phase and hang on to our sanity in the process. Below are 12 most exasperating responses teens bestow on their parents, and a little humor to help get you through the oh-so-fun teen-raising years.

Drop me off here

Parents wonder: Why do I work so hard trying to stay fit, dress nicely, and drive decent cars? This phenomenon begins to occur in middle school, where parents go from being ok to basically clueless and embarrassing.

Everyone has one

Everyone? How about <insert friend’s name here>? Well, maybe not him, but everyone else. Note to self: Call that mother and thank her for sticking to her guns!

Silence *Chirp*

After getting no response from asking the same question over and over, one wonders if there is a hearing impairment involved. Then it comes, the almighty “Huh?” You may now cross shopping for hearing aids off of your to-do list.

Can we order pizza?

Pizza is the solution to every problem in every teen’s book. Sometimes I will admit to taking the easy way out and following with this request. So much for staying fit…

I can’t find it

Usually translates to “I haven’t really looked, will you look for me?” It happens with car keys on a regular basis in my house. My teen is amazed, but not overly thankful, when I easily find the lost item, usually found in plain sight. Maybe a trip to the eye doctor is in order? Get to-do list back out.

There’s nothing to eat in this house

Did you know Americans could probably eat for months just on the food found in their pantries, fridges, and freezers? If that doesn’t work, try the starving children in Africa route…

Blank stare

Anyone home? The eyes point towards you, but the brain is clearly not involved. This is when you cleverly announce a new baby is on the way, we won the lottery, or some other majestic event. Wait 10 seconds and then proceed to ask your question again.

What’s for dinner, mac and cheese?

I’ve been told mac and cheese covers several food groups. Tell that to Michelle Obama!

Fine!

Such a positive word and sensitive response, unless it involves eye-rolling, which it usually does. Was that fine, yes; or fine, no? Fine, ok? Fine, whatever!

Mumble…

Better than nothing, but what was that? Shall we add speech therapist to the appointment list?

I’ll do it later

Later today or later this week or later next month? Who knew the word “later” could have so many meanings. I’ll worry about that one later.

I heard you, but I wasn’t listening

This one takes the cake, in my opinion. Often said with cell phone in hand, you get a response, but no real communication has taken place. The STOP, DROP, and FOCUS method works well in this case, but might involve a crow bar and piercing stare.

Living with teenagers will most assuredly give you a few new gray hairs, but ingesting a huge dose of patience each morning, with an “I love you” chaser, does make it tolerable. Teens are hungry for our love, even though it may seem like pizza and text messages rule their lives. Mac and cheese, anyone?

Have you survived a teenager? What are your best tips?

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2 Responses

  1. LOVE this Monica! “There’s nothing to eat” was probably my son’s first phrase and it’s been stuck on his lips for 17 years. Ha ha!