I Have Teenagers

The trials of having teenagers! We have been getting on so well but last night it came to an end when in the middle of the night I just checked in and how the girls were after I had used the bathroom and found my eldest texting to a friend. I was really cross as it is so bad for their eyes and she has to be up in the morning. I've been wondering why she has been looking so tired on occasions. Anyway I confiscated her phone and she won't have that at night any more. When she comes home this afternoonwe will have a conversation about it. I also rang the Mom of the girl she was texting and told her what had happened so she is going to see your daughter when she comes home. So I guess I'm not going to be the most popular mommy for a bit. Why do these things always happen when your husband is away on business?

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sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

Okay, so I'm no longer a teenager (by two years), but I'm close enough that maybe my perspective might help or at least be interesting.

I'm sure in your house, like in mine, there was (or is) a hierarchy of punishments varying in severity. Well, for me, confiscation of my phone was reserved for the most serious of infractions. If your daughter is anything like me, her phone is her connection to her life, her world. So if she "over-reacts" please understand that her phone to her is not like your phone to you. It is so much more.

Next, the crime of texting late at night with a friend ... well, I confess, I was a serial offender. But I'm a morning person and was typically in bed earlier than most, so this would be waking up briefly and repeatedly during the night to check on my world. My mom was aware of this and we had many "talks" about this and how it wasn't good for me etc etc etc. The bottom line was that if it impacted my grades at all, then I was going to lose my phone (and she was serious). It didn't and I still do this today.

And I'm still alive. I've always needed glasses so I can't say if excessive screen time was a factor there or not. Good luck.

Justpeaceandlove · 61-69, F

Well said Sara... :)

sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

Thanks Peace. :-)

Candice · 46-50, F

Thanks. I gave her the phone back this morning but she won't have it at night. I'll ban phones at night as My other daughter might just be up to it as well. They can make do with clocks.

sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

Yup. Your house, your rules. And that's fair. How old are they?

silkandlace · 46-50, M

Brava!