Teenagers

Yes, they do drift away from us and we can feel the loss of the easy relationships we once had with teenage grandchildren very keenly. But hang on in there keeping communication going as best you can and in time the strong bonds formed when they were young will hold strong and pull them back towards you. That’s what I’ve found anyway, mine are mostly girls who are complicated creatures too!

As a younger teenager (13-15) I was mostly concentrated on getting my O levels and a good job. As an older teenager (16-18) I was again concentrating on my professional exams so I could earn enough to leave the family home. I had no interest in family life and probably did the bare minimum around the house outside my own washing and ironing. I had to share a bedroom with my sister so I spent most of my time at friends houses or the library.

Just think back to when your grown kids were teenagers. They do become withdrawn/distracted and less interested in family life, more interested in their peers.
Is a tough time for them. I certainly wouldn’t want to revisit it. Just be there for them and keeping showing your love. Is a bit sad, I agree, but is also a necessary part of growing up.

I was very close to my eldest DGD, saw her every day from when she was born as she attended nursery/school where I worked and she stayed with me at weekends as her parents.
worked in hospitality. At 13 she rarely called, didn't send birthday cards etc, didn't attend my 2nd wedding due to a silly disagreement. Now she is 25 and such a wonderful young woman.
I regret the falling out and looking back should have just kept my opinions to myself. I did apologise BUT my point is just ride it out. In a few years he will emerge a young man and (hopefully) all will be well again
Thinking of you xx

We have two teenage granddaughter's. One is 14 the other is nearly 13. They have changed so much , I feel like we've lost them sometimes, they used to ne such happy fun loving children. Now if I talk to the eldest, I get a grunt in return. Having gone through it with my own daughters, I know there's light at the end of the tunnel 🤷‍♀️

I've been spotty, argumentative, and opinionated for years. My grandson is very uncommunicative, and he's a teen.

It drives me absolutely mad, trying to get him to part with any information.

I never realised boys could be so complicated!

Oh yes! They won’t give a lot away at that age, NanKate. Their hormones are kicking in and they swing from being the happy outgoing boy you know so well to being silent, spotty, argumentative and opinionated and back again. He’ll be like this for about three years, if you’re lucky! And yes, they do grow away from us and it’s sad, but they come out of this hormonal sausage machine as fine young men we can be very proud of - and they still love us to bits!