Dealing with Teens

 

Good morning and welcome to Thursday Thoughts. This month, we’re focusing on the military family and the tribulations they go through. Today, it’s all about changing schools.Military families generally have children in them. These kids are often called military brats. Some are pretty bratty but most are very mature for their age and in tune with how their lives differ from their civilian counterparts.However, the one thing that will turn your teen into a surly mass of disagreeable two-year-old is hearing they have to change schools, especially if it’s the middle of the year and they’re nearing graduation. To them, this isn’t a new family adventure, it’s all out war. If you thought being on the battlefield was hard, try convincing a teenager they will be moving with you without screaming and yelling.How best to work with your teen once they’ve come down from the ceiling and is only glaring at you? Get on the internet. Show them where you’ll be and start discussing the best high school in the area, where the best hangouts are, the sort of things they’re interested in. Once they’re hooked, you can allow them to take the next step.Didn’t say this would be easy, did I?The packing part can quickly evolve into a new war once they discover they can only have two suitcases of their stuff. That includes not only clothes but personal items they simply can’t do without until your goods arrive, which can take several months. Oh, this won’t be easy at all.Yet, it can be as simple as telling them they get exactly two suitcases and a single carryon bag. Now, they have to decide what they’re going to pack for the flight. Remind them that they can’t use electronics during the flight so maybe a couple of good books will keep them occupied. Also mention they’ll want to be comfortable, so sweats or loose pants and a shirt are probably their best bet, along with comfortable but closed shoes. Imagine that heavyset person nearby stepping on their toes. Yeah, let’s not go there.Now that your teen is happy and planning what to take, remind them nail polish really can’t go with them. Promise to replace that as soon as possible but give them the image of opening their suitcase and finding all their favorite clothes covered in those colors. Many people say younger children are a real problem, but honestly it’s the teen who can give you the most trouble. They’re being uprooted from a place they’ve known for a long time. Their friends will be gone, probably forever. Everything they’ve had to count on will vanish and they’re headed to a place where they don’t know anyone. Create an adventure and you’ll have a contented teenager.


About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

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