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CLASSYDIVA
7/20/08 2:39 P
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I understand completey. I have a 19 yr son and 4 girls, 18, 17, 16 and 10.
Things are getting relaxed now with the 18 yr finally maturing and coming to her senses last year. The oldest two have just moved out this summer and I was actually sad. So now I am down to three. Its gets better but separation anxiety is kicking in.
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AKASUPERMOM
7/14/08 12:20 A
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Rugar--
I understand where you're coming from. I've been homeschooling since my oldest was 3 and started reading. He forced it upon me. LOL Some days are hard, some days you want to curl up in the corner and cry. Some days you need to just declare it movie day and curl up on the couch with the kids and eat popcorn. :)
I got married while still in highschool, had my first the month after I turned 20, and had number 5 the month I turned 27. There've been plenty of days when I've felt the way you have. Just remember to take time for yourself, even if it's just scheduling a bubble bath. My hubby also works away from home and almost always has, so my alone time has usually always involved the TV or watching movies. That's my down-time. You have to find what's right for you.
Just remember to breathe. Tis the main thing. :)
Carla
btw--my oldest just graduated 12th grade at 16.....so 9 more years and I'll be done. Toying with the idea of getting one of those countdown digital marquee clocks to hang up on the wall. LOL
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AARONSLADY
7/13/08 11:00 P
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me and hubby have been together for 32 years.
We went to kindergarten togehter and remet 9 years later. I was talking about a goofy kid that lived in a house and it turned out to me him. We actually remembered each other from then. We were 12 and 13 then. We have been together ever since. Yes we did see other people besides each other but were always together.
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CORINA-MOMOF4
7/13/08 8:05 P
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I'm 34 and have been married for 14 yrs. (got married 4 days before my 20th bday to my high school sweet heart - we've actually been together for 16 yrs)
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AARONSLADY
7/13/08 12:18 A
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You have your hands full dear.
How old are you?
I am 45 and been married for 20yrs.
Aaron's
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CORINA-MOMOF4
7/12/08 4:44 P
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my girls are 10yrs apart and the boys are 10yrs apart - we only planned on having 3 - baby boy was our first and only surprise baby (a blessing from God I call him)
Michaela will be 13 in Sept
Nick will be 11 in Oct
Ali just turned 3 in June
and Christopher was born Feb 26
BTW, I've been married almost 15 yrs
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AARONSLADY
7/12/08 2:15 A
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You have four of these little critters running around your house???? What are the ages?
Aaron's
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CORINA-MOMOF4
7/11/08 5:24 P
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Aaron's, I soooo needed to read that, you have NO idea!! I could have easily written what you said. Infact, I am a fairly new homeschooling mom - I took my children out of public school to homeschool a year ago - why? B/C of all the things you just listed. From the clothing, the hair, the "you don't let me do anything" to the "everyone else has a cell phone" ect. ARG!
Today is an especially hard day here - thankfully my husband is on his way home - I'm as exhausted, both mentally and physically - Michaela has been especially difficult for me today... Ali also has been very difficult and now little Christopher is crying - thankfully Nick gets "over it" very quickly and just goes and plays with his legos LOL *sigh*
I know this isn't the best SP thing to do, but I told DH to pick up a bottle of wine on his way home, cause tonight after kids are in bed, I'm having me some wine!!!!!
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AARONSLADY
7/11/08 4:50 P
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Rugar4K--I am right where you are. Age and all. That's funny that you are the worlds worst mom because that was the title I won not too long ago.
My 12 year old is learning things a little too quickly for me because the town has put our little 6th graders into the JR high with the 7th and 8th. To me she learned way to much last year in school than she was ready for. Now going into 7th she is already having issues over boys and the style of clothes she wears and reputations and such. That stuff never should have even been in her life until sometime this coming year as far as I am concerned.
She is going through those trials with caddy girlfriends and boys that have been friends but now want more and it isn't going to happen.
I breaks my heart to see her already in tears over these things when another year could have made a difference in how she handled things and was introduced to these things.
I tried to explain to her that before she reaches high school she will go through another set of friends at least and that in the end to truest will still be there. At the moment she is odd man out in the circle of friends and she is beside herself. It is so hard not to get involved. My son is 19 and this stuff just didn't happen. He would have an issue and handle it and be done with it.
I don't know how to do this with a daughter. It just hurts and when she is full of attitude.....well you just know. Sometimes you almost don't like the little buggers. Then because they are still young they come and cuddle with you at night and you forget how nasty the little nut was earlier in the day.
Aaron's
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GETOVERIT2
7/11/08 12:28 P
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Hi all! I also have six teens all living at home. I would love to hear what others are making for dinner to feed their big families?
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It is so refreshing to read and share about raising teens--heck just raising kids!!! There are times when I feel like I am just "treading water" dealing with their ups and downs...but last night I literally treaded water in our small pool at 10 pm at night (due to the heat) and I have never laughed so hard!! My 17 yr old, 14 year old and 12 year old created a whirlpool and had sooo much fun!!! These are the times that make you smile and remember...that sometimes "treading water" can be gloriously fun!!!
This was a great post...thank you!
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CORINA-MOMOF4
7/9/08 9:49 P
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It's nice reading all your posts - my oldest (daughter) is going to be 13 in Sept. We've been dealing with "attitude" ALOT! She thinks I'm the worlds worst mom :(
In my experience, girls are so much harder than boys. At least with my son, when he gets upset he gets over it quickly - whereas my daughter holds a nasty grudge for the longest time.
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| My 15 yo SD(lives with DH and me)has been sneaking out of the house. She has been caught doing this four times in the past year. Talking about sleepless nights. I fear to go to sleep where will she go and what will she be up to!
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DOLFINGIRL1331
7/9/08 3:59 P
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| The comment on the sleepless nights was so true. I have an 18 yob, 14 yob, and 7 yob. I have never been up out of my bed so many times in one night. With school being out it just seems to get worse. My 14 year old thinks I'm the worst mother in the world because I wont let him walk the neighborhood at all hours. How dare me ruin his summer. Not to mention he has to be up early since he landed his butt in summer school. I'm sure the summer school is my fault also. He's the biggest drama queen.
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GREATLOOKSSALON
7/9/08 2:15 P
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You mean motherhood gets harder????????????
LOL......bless you all! Mine are only 8,6, & 1. My oldest is very mouthy and already starting his "tweens".
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Amen! I would love to turn the clock back in some ways.
My oldest is really getting excited about leaving for college. She reminds me that I have done a good job because she is ready to go...right.?
I did not anticipate feeling regret at this point...guess that was naive on my part.
Hats off to those of you with multiple teenagers/tweenagers all at once-whew!
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 , Thumbs up to you all!!!
I agree... It's a lot easier when they are little. An older lady told me that the sleepiness nights increase as they grow older, and I didn't quite believe her (since mine use to breastfeed every 3 hrs.) Boy, was she right!!!
I am complaining and I only have a 14yo girl who is pretty good but has a "rebel" streak right now.
Ladies, you can do anything you set your minds to...
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AKASUPERMOM
7/2/08 12:08 A
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Hello. I have a 16, 14, 13, 11, and a 9 year old. I'm learning that it was all much easier when they were all preschoolers. LOL
Carla
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Nathalie, 
I hope everything goes marvelous in your new job. It seems you have a lot of support and that is the key.
Don't forget about SP and your goals, though. You are also important and need to take care of yourself. Looking forward to "reading" again soon,
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NATHALIEO9
6/28/08 2:18 P
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| Wow, I love reading about everyone with lots of teenagers. It's a tough time but wonderful at the same time. I was offered a job in a cabinet shop as a finisher. So I took it. I work about 10hrs a day but the pay is very handy right now. Brad my husband has been getting the kids to work in our woodshop cleaning and doing yard work and even house work. This is the 1st time that I've ever worked out of the home. It's only been 3 days, but the kids seem happy and I am too. I'll keep you all posted as to how it goes. Thanks for writting. Nathalie
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| I HAD 4 TEENAGERS YEAR AGO, NOW I AM STARTING TO TAKE IN A GRANDSON FOR COLLEGE.
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13rugrats - six teenagers - oh Lordy!! You are like a godess or something - a hero for sure!
Mine son is 18 and about to head off for college. Here I was, ready to celebrate that empty nest and turn my basement into my office/workout room - and my 20yo daughter announced last week that she needs to move back home to get back on her feet.
I was so proud of surving two - I can't imagine six. Holy schmoly!
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Carolina M,
Good point. I have been asking myself the same thing over the past few weeks. I thought I would be really happy when she graduated for high school and began college, but I have been a bit melancholy. Even with 2 left at home, I will certainly miss her. 5 is a great age, let's just keep em there!!
As for just walking out when they are on a rant, that is probably the best thing to do. I think sometimes they just have to get it out...
Rugrats, I am going to be praying for you and the person that started this board. 5 & 6 teenagers!? I think I would be bald. You guys must have to refinance your house just to cover insurance. Hats off to you!
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| I have six teenagers still at home. 18 yob, 17yob, 16 yob, 15yob, 14yog, 14yob. It is crazy at our house all the time but I try to focus on the fact that in four more short years they will all have graduated from high school and my house will be way too quiet! Right now the drivers ed and car insurance is crazy. I have had a kid in drivers ed every semester for the last three and the last two take drivers ed the next two semesters.
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Hi!! By the way, I just noticed our goals are the same. I hope to reach 130 lbs. or so when all this is done (I figure, around Xmas time if I survive the holiday eating frenzy)
I only have a 14 yo turning 15 in October... she has some very good days and all of a sudden, she gets into this nasty moods. I try to keep calm and talk to her, but sometimes I just leave the room and let her be in order not to let the situations get worst.
I guess that we, as parents, just have to trust we have done a good job raising these kids, so that they can take good decisions when the time comes. I just have to remind myself that her "good decision" might not be something I agree with. Why do they have to grow up? I loved it when she was 5... Oh!! the memories. 
Carolina M.
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Thanks, Carolina M.
Her name is Caroline, by the way :). She is at that stage where I think she is more mature than we want to give her credit for being-of course, she gives us reason to question her maturity.
I guess it is just part of that leaving home phase...She is my oldest of three, but I am going to so miss having her around when she moves to college...
My next one will be 14 this summer. I think she is actually getting a better grip on herself, but 14 is hard. They really are on the cusp of leaving behind childhood and entering those teen years. I can appreciate what you said about having to bite your tongue at times...sometimes I want to be put in timeout. Oh, the DRAMA!
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MCMARTI26
6/19/08 11:25 P
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This is wonderful!!!
She sounds very mature and I am glad the family survive the "test". I like what you did about going back to talk to her after the initial confrontation... I have to keep that in mind for the rounds with mine. I guess it's easier to see both sides once everyone has calmed down.
Good job Mom!!
Carolina M.
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WANNAB132
6/19/08 11:46 A
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We told her no beach trip...too far to drive, it's for your safety. She informed us she would be going and we couldn't stop her..several times...quite loudly. Can't say I kept my cool, unfortunately.
She is, however, very level headed and within the hour I went to her and said, "I understand you are upset. We want you to go with his family to the beach, it's just too far and your safety is our number one concern." She listened and said, "Mama, you knew I was going to be mad and I just had to get it out. I know what you are saying is right, but I still don't like it."
As fate would have it, her boyfriend texted her during this conversation saying his sister would probably leave for the beach on Tuesday and return on Thursday. We do let her drive the 2 hours to his home, so this would work out perfect. She will know for sure today if this is his sister's plan.
So, I guess we all survived the fireworks~this time.
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I have two teenagers. My daughter is the most difficult to deal with (16) but like with anything you have to learn to pick your battles. I am very lenient when it comes to the way she dresses (mostly black clothes, and funky hair)as long as her grades are good (so far straight A's  ), she does her chores at home, and she is not disrespectful. On the occasions when she tries to push my buttons the mention of taking her cell phone away calms her right up!
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I wish you the best in this situation. I was reading the other day, that specially during a confrontation with a teenager, we, parents, should keep our cool, be respectful, lower our voices and stay in that place we want THEM to go (open to ideas, calm, willing to listen, able to have a conversation, etc.)and don't let our emotions explode.
I have been trying it with my daughter, 14 yo, lately and I feel it's working. Just calling her name makes her react explosively but I bit my tongue, let her know I don't like the way she answered me, and continue with whatever I have to tell her. It seems to calm her and come down from the anger.
I hope it helps, (and don't forget to let us know how it went. Maybe you'll be surprise of her reaction. Stay positive)
Carolina M.
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WANNAB132
6/18/08 10:45 A
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Yikes! I have 2 teenage daughters (18 and 14) and a 10 yo son. They make me want to scream. Some days I absolutely wonder why I wanted children. Whoever said parenting is not for cowards sure knew what they were talking about.
My kids are great compared to some of the things others deal with, but they still have those moments. My oldest just graduated Salutatorian. She has been dating a fella for about a year that lives 2 hours away. He is a terrific boy and also just graduated from HS. She has been invited to the beach with his family next week, but her work schedule will mean she would have to drive to the beach alone. It is a 5 hour drive. Dad and I have decided it is just too far for her. Can't wait for those fireworks, we are telling her tonight. Keep us in your prayer!!
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I have one 14 yr. old girl who is driving me nuts... If I let her, she'll be a "goth", dress all in black, wear weird color nail polish, etc.
Do you have any specific issues with your kids? Is it getting worst since all are on vacation?
I'd love to talk,
Carolina M.
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NATHALIEO9
6/15/08 8:09 P
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| They are all great kids. But it can sure be trying some days. Anybody want to talk. Nat
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