Disrespectful grandchildren

If you are lucky enough to have the sort of children who breeze through adolescence without the disruption of hormone swings, or the blood sugar issues like nana8 's DD, then it is simply that, pure luck. I've seen many parents and families during my career who had one or more problem children, the parents were often caring, often disciplinarians, often excellent role models, that didn't stop them being driven to distraction by their children. Crowing about how good you are as a famly helps no one. If you haven't experienced it you won't understand, so perhaps the best thing you can do is keep quiet.

Trisher. Exactly.

Covid-19 and lockdowns are awful for everyone but I think especially for young ones. They're adrift from their friends, struggling with online school lessons and probably going stir crazy.

Instead of avoiding her, just reach out to her and ask how she's doing. You're the adult in the relationship. It may take several attempts. Just tell her you're trying to understand and that you love her. It's really not rocket science.

I have four children and five grandchildren. My job is to draw them closer, not to distance myself from them.

Unfortunately it's not going to get any better, anytime soon. If you can devote a bit of time every day listening to your GD's issues, without judging, she will appreciate that. Just see it as a phase... Best of luck.

Some of the comments seem to accept this is typical teenage behaviour. To a certain extent the teenage years do bring some behaviour that we do not view as acceptable. However to be downright rude and disrespectful to both a parent and grandparent is definitely not acceptable at all and should not be ignored. It is about time to deal with it and nip it in the bud before it goes too far, To ignore such behaviour is basically allowing her to continue the disrespect. Start laying some ground rules down and be firm about making her obey them. She is probably bored. Try and get her interested in doing things. Do some crazy cooking -chinese, italian or similar not the same old cottage pies etc. You could also enjoy such activities. I have done loads of cooking with my grandchildren - girls and boys. We have had lots of fun and they have amazed me with their innovations. Do competitions together - if you win something all the better. Just try and gain her interest in things other than her phone! Good Luck!

My wife and I have brought up 2 generations of children and can say boys can be a pain when they reach the age of 13/14/15 as they try to assert their needs to be the Alpha in the family etc. but can often be distracted by sport or other activities. However girls from about the age of about 12 are a nightmare, sullen, withdrawn, prone to hysterical outbursts etc. Both genders can sleep for the land then spend the night texting/listing to music/reading, are reluctant to help around the home and are very very self centred.

However the great thing is most become really nice people by the time that they reach the age of 21 years old, people that you would choose to know.

Like Paddyann said at the beginning of this post with her daughter...our daughter was the same and in her early teens was a nightmare. Showed no interest in the rest of the family and only her friends were worthy of a mention. She’s 40 now and lives in Australia but is always calling us and sending videos and photos of our grandchild. She’s a fantastic mother and wife so don’t despair, your granddaughter will get through this phase. Just be there for her whenever she needs you. Try not to argue with her. This pandemic has been trying for everyone.