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NEVERENDING ♾️ The NEVERENDING Raising Children Thread

My son has been a teenager for a couple months now. He is taller and thinner and he likes girls more. I've been missing the boy and getting to know the young man.Mostly it is about the same as when he was 12. I've been missing the boy and getting to know the young man. I think he will turn out just fine.

We went on vacation in the Black Hills. He did so reluctantly. He'd rather been playing video games with his friends online. But he went along and didn't complain much. We got to talk, which we've been doing less and less.

When he was a kid, "why" was his favorite word and we talked about everything. I must be a lot smarter and wiser than I thought, because he now apparently knows everything. So I can check that off my to-do list: "Taught son everything."
 
otterpop said:
I must be a lot smarter and wiser than I thought, because he now apparently knows everything. So I can check that off my to-do list: "Taught son everything."
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Well, for the next eight years or so, at any rate.
 
I'm still getting my hug every morning so I don't have to worry about these things. My wife is feeling a little down because now both girls are off to school next Tuesday.
 
Dang I love kids. Love hearing about all of your kids, love hanging around with mine. My wife goes to MDA summer camp (where we met) this weekend, so I think we will take the moment to spend way too much money and the whole lot of us from my oldest on down will go to see Guardians of the Galaxy: Marvel brings families together. :) I may even let Tiger Lily take her meathead boyfriend.
 
Vancity said:
Why do fathers hate their daughters' boyfriends?
Surely if she likes him and she is an intelligent girl, then he must not be a meathead?
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I'm actually going to apologize to the guys who start dating my oldest daughter. They have no idea what they'll be getting themselves into.
 
Vancity said:
Why do fathers hate their daughters' boyfriends?
Surely if she likes him and she is an intelligent girl, then he must not be a meathead?
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For several reasons. I was a boy trying to "date" someone's daughter. I know the thoughts that were running through my mind. It hasn't changed for me or the kid trying to date my daughter (she's not old enough to date yet).
All father's want the best for their kids and that kid is not good enough until he becomes the president and even then he's not good enough.
Sometimes daughter pick up the dumbest boyfriends and can't see it because they are too much in love. We can't talk them out of it, but we can still point it out. As proof, I married my wife so I know what kind of stupid people she's capable of loving.
Looking long term, If they get serious I'll have to spend Thanksgiving watching the Detroit game with this bozo and I'm not sure I want that.
The worst is when daughters pick a boyfriend just like their dad, we all know he's not the brightest guy.

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I have to love my kids. We keep a bowl of apples in the kitchen and I always grab one for work. When I pulled it out to eat, someone had taken a little bite out of it and put it back in the bowl.
 
I've concluded that I love my kids (three boys), but am not necessarily a fan of other people's kids.

In fact, my affection for a kid diminishes quickly the more distant the relation - I love my boys, really care for my niece and nephews, am nice to my first cousins' kids, etc, etc...... :p
 
mendelman said:
I've concluded that I love my kids (three boys), but am not necessarily a fan of other people's kids.

In fact, my affection for a kid diminishes quickly the more distance the relation - I love my boys, really care for my niece and nephews, am nice to my first cousins' kids, etc, etc...... :p
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I'm the same way.
 
dvdneal said:
For several reasons. I was a boy trying to "date" someone's daughter. I know the thoughts that were running through my mind. It hasn't changed for me or the kid trying to date my daughter (she's not old enough to date yet).
All father's want the best for their kids and that kid is not good enough until he becomes the president and even then he's not good enough.
Sometimes daughter pick up the dumbest boyfriends and can't see it because they are too much in love. We can't talk them out of it, but we can still point it out. As proof, I married my wife so I know what kind of stupid people she's capable of loving.
Looking long term, If they get serious I'll have to spend Thanksgiving watching the Detroit game with this bozo and I'm not sure I want that.
The worst is when daughters pick a boyfriend just like their dad, we all know he's not the brightest guy.

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I have to love my kids. We keep a bowl of apples in the kitchen and I always grab one for work. When I pulled it out to eat, someone had taken a little bite out of it and put it back in the bowl.
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Amen and +10. I got a taste of this when my daughter came down this summer. Gonna be some rough years ahead.
 
I reset the parenting clock so I won't be an empty nester for a long time. RT went away to school for her freshman year, hated living in a dorm, which carried over into the classroom. She decided she would come back home and attend community college for a year and decide what to do from there. Now she's almost got senior status at the local 4 year university, works in my office in a different department, and has been selected for Ball State's prestigious CapAsia program. She will be gone 4.5 months starting in January and I am going to miss her. I told her she has to live with me until she has adequate resources in the bank to support herself and have an emergency fund. I think she'll be at home for a while.

I have a 2.5 year old too so I am good on that front. I figure she'll be done with college and whatnot just as I am getting to retire.
 
Looks like history is being rewritten in schools... this time without Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and others.

LINK

I think it is scary when major figures are left out of the history books.
 
I'm getting ready to take son #2 for his drivers test. I don't think he's ready, and won't drive on his own for a while, even if he does pass.
 
kms said:
I'm getting ready to take son #2 for his drivers test. I don't think he's ready, and won't drive on his own for a while, even if he does pass.
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Been there, done that with two boys. Between them they had about 4-5 wrecks. Most were fender-benders, one was a complete total out of both my son's car and the SUV he T-boned and rolled over when he ran a red light. Airbags are amazing things.

I totally get the feeling of thinking they're not ready to drive on their own, but at some point they have to do it.
 
Vancity said:
Why do fathers hate their daughters' boyfriends?
Surely if she likes him and she is an intelligent girl, then he must not be a meathead?
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Tradition. Seriously, though, I think it's just hard to see her (an intelligent, funny, vivacious woman, now) be interested in this guy who shows no interest in the things she's always liked. She's quite an artist - no interest. She plays the guitar - no interest. Doesn't want to do anything, really. Free concert downtown tonight? I'm tired. Take the wolf we bought to Lindsey Gardens for a little exercise? I'm kind of busy (even though I don't go to school and work part time). Want to go to the Desert Star and see a show? I don't feel like driving. How about if I play Call of Duty with my buddy and you can hang around with us.

Seriously? THIS is the guy? Sorry. I know it's cliche, but he really is a meathead and doesn't deserve anybody like my tiger lily. She's old enough to make her own decisions, so I will do my best to try to show this kid that life can actually be pretty fun and fulfilling....but I'm doing it for her. Him I'd leave to perish of boredom in the wilderness. :)
 
Doohickie said:
Been there, done that with two boys. Between them they had about 4-5 wrecks. Most were fender-benders, one was a complete total out of both my son's car and the SUV he T-boned and rolled over when he ran a red light. Airbags are amazing things.

I totally get the feeling of thinking they're not ready to drive on their own, but at some point they have to do it.
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He passed. He very nearly ran a red light on the way to the exam, and skidded to a stop. He's going to be taking short trips for a while, but will learn as he goes.
 
I had to smile yesterday. I was talking to my son and asked him about the girl he was sweet on in 7th grade (and apparently the feeling was mutual). I wanted to know if he and she were going to be keeping company as he started 8th grade. He told me "no. I'm not interested in her anymore." I asked why. He said she was "too shallow."

I replied, "She's 13. Most 13 year olds are shallow."

But I had to smile. When I was in middle school, I'd of killed to be in his shoes. Shallow? I wouldn't have care if she was two-dimensional. I couldn't get my imaginary girlfriend to give me the time of day. :p

Really, though, I think the real reason is in 7th grade he was dipping his toe in this whole boy/girl pool and I think he decided that he just isn't that interested right now in jumping in. Physically he looks about fifteen (he is 13), but emotionally he is still about 12. He wants to play video games with his friends, mess with his ever-expanding and increasingly complex computer he built, and study science and math. He has plenty of time later for girls and all the troubles and joys that will bring him.
 
It's not uncommon for young adults to wait to get romantically involved, compared to a generation ago. By the time I was 25 I was a father. My 27 and 24 year old boys don't really feel settled enough yet for serious relationships even now. They've both dated a bit, but so far neither one has gotten too serious. My oldest got burned by an early flame (she was a sophomore who just used him to go to the prom), and my younger boy really wants to finish his schooling before he gets too serious with anyone (plus he tends to go for the extremely pretty girls that get lots of attention, thus lots of competition for him).
 
It's a bit difficult being late Boomer parents (I'm 54 and the missus will be 50 in February) raising teens in the Digital Native generation (she'll be 15in mid-October and he'll be 18 in February). Vacationing for probably the last time with them this Summer was an eye-opener. :-c
 
I'm just a bit younger than you and my kids are in their mid-20s. It was tough having the kids young, but coming out the other side I'm kinda likin' it.
 
Hey!

I have a new foster son!! I've never had a son before :D Three daughters, 23, 15 and 12 :-o He is 15 and African American and a good kid. One parent died and another bailed.....but he has a positive outlook and seems to enjoy being with us. Life is an adventure to be sure:h:
 
Tiger Lily's BFs

ursus said:
Tradition. Seriously, though, I think it's just hard to see her (an intelligent, funny, vivacious woman, now) be interested in this guy who shows no interest in the things she's always liked. She's quite an artist - no interest. She plays the guitar - no interest. Doesn't want to do anything, really. Free concert downtown tonight? I'm tired. Take the wolf we bought to Lindsey Gardens for a little exercise? I'm kind of busy (even though I don't go to school and work part time). Want to go to the Desert Star and see a show? I don't feel like driving. How about if I play Call of Duty with my buddy and you can hang around with us.

Seriously? THIS is the guy? Sorry. I know it's cliche, but he really is a meathead and doesn't deserve anybody like my tiger lily. She's old enough to make her own decisions, so I will do my best to try to show this kid that life can actually be pretty fun and fulfilling....but I'm doing it for her. Him I'd leave to perish of boredom in the wilderness. :)
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Recalling the earlier episode...is this one an improvement?
 
My son has a terrible fear of the dentist, so to get some "pits" in a couple teeth sealed today, his dentist prescribed something to take the edge off. This hasn't worked well in the past for other doctors, but whatever he got today did the trick. By the time he was done, it was as though my son had had a few drinks too many. Indeed, I had a devil of a time getting him back from the car and into the house. (I'm 6' and 160# -- he's 6'-2" and 240# and I was scared he was going off the porch at one point.) We've been home for about 90 minutes now and he's out like a light, sleeping it off.

(He did crack me up though. At one point he said "Dad! Did you thee that? The tileth on the wall are moving! How are they doing that?":D)
 
Doohickie said:
I'm just a bit younger than you and my kids are in their mid-20s. It was tough having the kids young, but coming out the other side I'm kinda likin' it.
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I hear you. I have an almost 21 year old (RT-resident teenager) but then I went and reset the clock and now have a 2.5 year old (rt-resident toddler). So I've got one in college that thought she knew everything and went away for her first year of school. Returned home, got her shit together, and now swears she is never leaving. Being a young parent was hard, we kind of grew up together, and she's been along for the ride in everything that I've done. RT jokes that rt is her minion.

Gedunker said:
My son has a terrible fear of the dentist, so to get some "pits" in a couple teeth sealed today, his dentist prescribed something to take the edge off. This hasn't worked well in the past for other doctors, but whatever he got today did the trick. By the time he was done, it was as though my son had had a few drinks too many. Indeed, I had a devil of a time getting him back from the car and into the house. (I'm 6' and 160# -- he's 6'-2" and 240# and I was scared he was going off the porch at one point.) We've been home for about 90 minutes now and he's out like a light, sleeping it off.

(He did crack me up though. At one point he said "Dad! Did you thee that? The tileth on the wall are moving! How are they doing that?":D)
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You should have got that on video. Glad the procedure went well ;)
 
Veloise said:
Recalling the earlier episode...is this one an improvement?
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Yeah, actually I do have to admit that he is an improvement. Grumble grumble grumble. :) He's just a real dud -- not a real bad guy like the one you're remembering. That kid was......don't get me started.
 
ursus said:
Yeah, actually I do have to admit that he is an improvement. Grumble grumble grumble. :) He's just a real dud -- not a real bad guy like the one you're remembering. That kid was......don't get me started.
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You're a good dad. This one is for you buddy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzyQx6AL1MQ
 
otterpop said:
This is weird. I took the quiz again. Tried answering the questions the opposite (hoping for a Louie or an Al) and still ended up with Ward Cleaver. Three times in a row. Guess I am stuck with that.
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Try clearing your cookies and doing it again. Maybe it stores your original result in cookies and doesn't change it after that.
 
otterpop said:
This is weird. I took the quiz again. Tried answering the questions the opposite (hoping for a Louie or an Al) and still ended up with Ward Cleaver. Three times in a row. Guess I am stuck with that.
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I am sure it is no surprise that I too got Ward Cleaver.

Now only if I can get my wife to dress wear heals, pearls, and a dress while she cooks me dinner making comments like, "you were hard on the Beaver last night." ;)





Edit.
I cleared the cookies, and ran it again with total opposite answers and still got Ward..
 
michaelskis said:
I am sure it is no surprise that I too got Ward Cleaver.

Now only if I can get my wife to dress wear heals, pearls, and a dress while she cooks me dinner making comments like, "you were hard on the Beaver last night." ;)


Edit.
I cleared the cookies, and ran it again with total opposite answers and still got Ward..
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Oh, you went there. I so wanted to, but chickened out. ;)
 
Well.....

My son and I will be battling each other in a friendly game of THE BIGGEST LOSER at the start of the school year. I need to drop at least 30lbs by the end of the school year! Since he is just a bit smaller than me, there will be fat running flowing through the streets after this fight+o:)v: He has already lost about 10 pounds living with us due to our healthy meals.....even though we do eat a lot of junk too:(:-$

I'll be starting on the elliptical for the first month or so....then move on to battle my gut:r:
 
The One said:
My son and I will be battling each other in a friendly game of THE BIGGEST LOSER at the start of the school year. I need to drop at least 30lbs by the end of the school year! Since he is just a bit smaller than me, there will be fat running flowing through the streets after this fight+o:)v: He has already lost about 10 pounds living with us due to our healthy meals.....even though we do eat a lot of junk too:(:-$

I'll be starting on the elliptical for the first month or so....then move on to battle my gut:r:
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Good luck, because the coffee tables in your house need a break, Matt. ;)
 
otterpop said:
Because girls are sugar and spice and everything nice. Daughters are never a problem. ;)
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Mine are the best behaved kids in school. Seriously my kids who are animals at home are great in class. Daughters are never a problem it's the boys they bring home. I'm just glad I'm not there yet.
 
Mine are 5 and 8. We start the routine around 7-7:30 and they're usually in bed by 8. Granted the 5 yo will play for about 1/2 an hour and the 8 yo we have to argue with every night until about 9 or 10.

How many parents have the kids coming out of the bedroom with "excuses" of why they can't sleep? I needed some water, my foot hurts...
 
5 and two 3 year olds.

Start the routine at 7:30 and end by 8:15.

Then I get serious and yell around 9 ;)
 
dvdneal said:
How many parents have the kids coming out of the bedroom with "excuses" of why they can't sleep? I needed some water, my foot hurts...
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My daughter was great about staying in bed and just yelling occasionally if she needed something until I made the mistake a few weeks back of informing her that she can get up and take herself to the bathroom if she needs to. Now she gets up for EVERYTHING!

I need to use the potty! (for the 8th time in an hour)
The ice in my water cup melted!
I didn't see the moon tonight! :r:
My pillow needs fluffing!
My pajamas are itchy!
I wanted to give you this book!

And my recent favorite from Saturday night:
I wanted to look at the party! - We had gone to a birthday party at the neighbor's house behind ours and after bedtime our daughter got out of bed to come out to the living room and look out the back door as if she missed being at the party.

Earlier this week we instituted a cost system: emergency or not, each time she comes out of the bedroom or calls us in there it will cost a stuffed animal from her bedroom that she can earn back the next day. So far it's actually seemed to work a little bit.
 
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