My eldest daughter is the first teenager in our family, so parenting a teen is completely new territory for me. Here are ten things I’ve discovered about living with my 13 year old over the last few months — the funny, the frustrating, and the genuinely lovely.
#1. She Still Likes to Be a Kid Sometimes
I’ve caught her sneaking off to play with her younger sister or cousins. I’ve even spotted her climbing into the soft play area to help one of them, clearly delighted to be a kid again for a few minutes.
#2. Teenager-dom Is Stressful
Friendships changing, school pressures, hormones, mood swings, tiredness — being a teenager is genuinely stressful. I can still remember some of those feelings from my own teen years, so I try to hold onto that empathy.
#3. The Mood Swings
Oh, the mood swings. One minute she’s sunny and chatty, the next she’s properly grumpy. And I mean really grumpy.
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#4. “I Hate You!”
I’ve had to learn not to take this one personally. We got a taste of it in her tween years whenever she was annoyed with me, but teenage-hood has definitely turned up the volume.
#5. She Doesn’t Like Housework
To be fair, she’s not too much of a slob in her own room, but ask her to help with the housework and you’ll get a very big sigh. (Honestly, it’s not my favourite job either, so I try to be patient about it.)
#6. She’s More Confident
She is far more confident than I ever was at her age, and I love that about her. I like to think I did something right along the way.
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I had to use this stock photo, because my teen wouldn’t let me take a real one of her!
#7. No Photos
Gone is the little girl who happily posed for photos with a big smile. These days I mostly get a hand coming towards the camera and a firm “No photos!” — for the hundredth time. Occasionally I manage to talk her into it, but only on the strict understanding that it won’t end up on my social media.
#8. Body Changes
She’s growing into a young woman now — too big for kids’ clothes and shoes, and into smaller adult sizes. It still catches me off guard sometimes.
#9. Boys
She had her first boyfriend recently — a mostly video-call relationship, which felt like a real sign of the times. They met up once for ice cream, then split up amicably. Phew.
#10. When Her Eyes Sparkle
She loves a great TV series or film, a good book, and having a laugh with her friends. That’s when you catch her properly — when her eyes sparkle and you remember exactly who she is underneath all the teenage moods.
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Over to you now — what are the ups and downs of living with your own teenager? Share them with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a 13 year old to have big mood swings?
Yes, this is very common. Hormonal changes, social pressures and simple tiredness all play a part, and most teens genuinely can’t help how quickly their mood shifts. Patience (and picking your moments) helps more than reacting to every wobble.
How can I get my teenager to help with housework?
Consistency and low expectations for enthusiasm both help. Short, specific tasks work better than vague requests, and it’s worth remembering the sighing is usually about the interruption, not you personally.
Why doesn’t my teenager want their photo taken anymore?
Many teens become much more self-conscious about their image and how it’s shared, especially online. Respecting their “no photos” boundary, and asking rather than assuming, tends to go a long way toward keeping the trust.
How can I stay close to my teenager during this stage?
Small, low-pressure moments matter most — watching a show together, a shared laugh, a quiet chat in the car. Those are often when teenagers open up most naturally.
You Might Also Like
- 10 Inspiring Teen Bedroom Ideas They Will Actually Love
- 15 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Was a Teenager
- A Simple Survival Guide for Teenagers: How to Live and Deal with Parents
Enjoyed this? Browse more family life stories and teen parenting reads on MyKidsTime, or save this one for whenever you need a reminder that the mood swings pass and the good moments are still there.
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