[punkytina]

Most people moan about teens these days (especially in the UK)..
But not me noooo way, if it wasnt for my 2 teens (who have both left school) my life would be difficult.
My 17 year old son (Matt) helps me care for my elderly father, instead of Matt going out getting a job or go to college, he takes care of my elderly father when he needs a shower, shave, etc and while im cooking my son fetches the younger children from school so my elderly father is never left on his own(as my dad sometimes has a tendency to wander off when he gets confused).
M y 16 year old daughter (Amber) does the over night shift, knowing that i have to sleep in the next room to my dad in case he needs me over night, my daughter sits up till its nearly time for me to get the younger children up for school,when Amber then goes to bed.
There are obviously bad teens and good teens all over the world, but i think i have 2 of the good ones, which has surprised me.
I was expecting to have the 'stroppy teenager situation' when my 2 oldest children left school, but they seem to fall over themselves trying to help me.
I know they both want jobs and i do encourage them to go and find work but they are more concerned about me..
In fact they did go over board trying to help me when i had my miscarriage back in August but i had to ask them to back off and let me at least load the dishwasher, but, hey, i aint going to complain!

[deedee1231]

What a wonderful post! I am so glad your teens are doing their part to help you out instead of getting in to trouble. It is nice to hear about teenagers doing the right thing for a change especially since we always seem to hear so much about teens who are in trouble with the wrong crowd or doing poorly in school or quitting school and seem to be a burden on their families instead of a blessing.

My oldest daughter is fifteen years old. She is a great girl. We homeschool and she is taking some of her classes online this year. She does well with her studies and when she is done with her school work for the day she helps out with the younger ones. She will read to the twins while I help my son with something, or she will make us lunch while I check over their work. She is always on top of her chores, I scarcely ever need to remind her to clean up her bathroom or if it is her night to load the dishwasher. And she is very easy going and never gives me a snarky attitude.

When I meet people or talk to people who don't know my family well I always get those comments about what a rough time I must have with a 15 year old girl and most people are shocked to find that I don't have any complaints about my girl, just praise. I just know that I am very blessed to have such a responsible teen and I am proud of her!

[Magic_Mikki]

Well, I have to hand it to you ladies-- Teenagers are mostly a direct reflection of parenting! Well done, mommies!