I’ll help pack your bags!

I used to think the same thing. I was 15. I thought I knew everything and I thought I would be better off when I moved out of home because I wouldn’t have to obey mum and dad’s rules any more. I was sick of hearing “while you’re living under this roof, you will live by our rules!”

So I moved out. When I was 16. With the love of my life who was 10 years older than me (and who I’m still married to ) But it was tough. He was working full time. I was doing a retail traineeship. We managed to find an apartment to rent. I remember the sparse furniture we had and the little tv stand that stood in the corner. But it was my own place. At 16, I had to grow up really fast and play “wife”.

My mum and dad tried to stop me but I was determined to do what I wanted to do and I told them they couldn’t tell me what to do.

Now, our DD15 is doing the same thing. She’s rebellious and using the “I’m going to move out then” line on us whenever we tell her she can’t go somewhere or do something. But trying to stop her from moving will not work for her. I’ve had many years of dealing with her attitude and I have learned using reverse psychology with her is the way to go.

So, we had an episode on the weekend where she was being defiant. Instead of the huge fight that usually occurs, DH said to her that if that’s what she wants to do, then when she finishes Year 10 at the end of the year, she is quite welcome to move out. We won’t stop her.

Her jaw dropped. I think she was ready for a screaming match but instead it was probably one of the rare times that she didn’t know how to react. DH politely told her that we’ll even help her pack her things.

Mum & Dad 1; Teenagers 0!

Bring on the next round, kiddos!