When Motherhood Got REALLY Funny...

Then ... they start middle school and become TEENAGERS! This is where I had to seriously develop my sense of humor (If I didn't I would have gone insane!) Having a teenager (especially a girl) is a little like having a houseful of teens but you only see one at a time. Every time you turn around you're not sure who is going to be there - your sweet little princess who still wants to snuggle and let you do her nails OR the super/ultra independent "woman" who uses black for everything (nail polish, clothing, eye shadow and lipstick). You begin to wonder if this is some strange joke that the high powers get a "kick" out of!

It is much easier to look back on the middle school years than to be IN those years. Just like it's difficult to endure the terrible two's while you are deep in it, it is just as tough in the trenches of middle school. There might be a direct connection between the "terrible two's" and middle school. Again those higher powers might look at how we adapted to the toddler years and say - "If you think that was bad - just wait until you see what middle school is like!" Or "We let you have it easy during the toddler years but according to policy we have to double up on you during the middle school years." Great - higher power humor!

I have another theory I always wanted to put into play - I believe that all middle schoolers should be shipped off somewhere (undisclosed locations) and returned when they are ready to begin their sophmore year of high school. All the hormone issues should be settled by then. We wouldn't have the "multiple personality" issue to deal with anymore!

Of course the other (practical) side of me says that this is one of those important times of their lives. I do want to be a part of that - I just wished it was a little easier. This is also a time that everything is black and white to them. By adding humor to their life (and ours) I think we can help them relax their outlook on life. Reality is very rarely black & white and if we can laugh at things, especially ourselves, it will make our journey that much easier.

Sometimes humor is the only way to engage the teen. Find a funny movie and watch it - together - in the same room - on the same couch. You might even get a shared smile or laugh during it. It's something to hold onto in those dark times (when the "other" child shows up!)! Just remember they do grow out of it - of course you may have to show them the light at the end of the tunnel. Turn on the flood light! Light some fireworks - teens love bright shiny objects!