Do kids ever outgrow the cranky/difficult/freakin' PITA stage?

Have you outgrown it?


JK

 

My youngest will turn 19 in 40 minutes and my eldest is 21. Both in college now. I spent 18 years getting them out of the house and now I can't wait for them to come home from college.

While I never tried to be my son's friends, I truly enjoy their company. We talk as a family about everything and I do mean everything. I want to know where they stand on issues and how their mind gets them there. I'm very proud of both of them.

I did on occasion spank them, though less than 3 times each. Never in anger, never without warning and only as a last resort. Afterall when you start hitting your kids you're clearly at the end of your tool set. Unless of course you plan to hit them harder. A spanking event in my household took place after both myself and my sons had calmed down. I explained that I did not want to spank them, but felt their behavior warranted it and reminded them that they were verbally warned multiple times that this would happen. One spank was given, firm enough to let them know it was serious and was followed by a hug.

I do agree with the parent vs. friend comment. I did have to talk to my eldest son as a husband once after he disrespected his Mother. Being raised by a single Mother I have no patience for anyone disrespecting my Wife. I can assure that my son now understands that and knows for certain what I'm prepared to do should he decide to disrespect my wife/his Mother again.

 

Ouch! Deserved that one.

 

Totally, 100% agree. Thank you.

 

Yes my 21 month old is getting to be a pita latey LOL