Raising Teens is Tough, New Survey Says What Age Is The Hardest

There is no 'easy' age at which to raise your kids. There are only different stages. That much I know after my 17 years of being a parent. I don't know much else, other than having kids is the single most wonderful, rewarding, and yet frustrating experience one can have in life. I wouldn't trade it for anything...at least today.

A new survey woke parents out of their work and parenting-induced coma and asked them a simple question. What is the most difficult age group in children? Is it the terrible twos? Pre-teen years? Or right on the cusp of adulthood? The truth is that each age has its own set of challenges, but as you might expect the survey found that 75% of parents found that the ages of 13 to 19 are the most difficult, with the overall number one answer, 15 years old. As a parent of kids who are currently 17, 13, and 12 I can tell you that this time is hard for a number of reasons.

The survey found these are the hardest things about parenting a teenager.

1. Mood swings
2. Helping with life choices, like college.
3. Allowing them to make mistakes
4. Too much time on technology
5. Managing their emotions
6. Hormones!
7. Helping with homework
8. Trusting them to make good decisions
9. Planning for the future
10. Good grades

Then you have other issues like body image and bullying. Yes, the teen years are fraught with peril. In my only other parenting advice, just be there for your kids. Some days are going to be harder than others. Be there for them. Listen and let them know that you were once 15 and that it does get better.

Enjoy the years you have with your kids. As the two pictures in this article prove, time moves fast. Blink, and suddenly they're teenagers. Blink again and they're living away from home. It isn't always easy, but it is worth the ride.
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