7 Situations Only Mothers of Teenagers Understand

Learn about the situations that mothers of teenagers face on a daily basis. If you haven't gone through them yet... get ready for what's next!

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez.

Written by Marisol Rendón Manrique

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Adolescence is a stage of physical and emotional changes that greatly alter your children’s behavior. You’ll face episodes of rebellion and lack of communication. During this difficult stage, remember that you’re not alone – many mothers of teenagers go through similar situations.

It’s important that you know how to react when teenagers have certain attitudes or behave in certain ways. As much as this might stress you out, if you teach them good values, they will be just fine.

Mothers of teenagers: get ready for this!

1. Addiction or excessive use of the internet and social networks

Unlike other generations, teenagers nowadays have a tool that allows them to do everything. They can fulfill school duties and interact with people without being afraid of rejection.

This is why social networks have become addictive to many people.

Teenagers are bombarded with information. You need to help them so they can reject what isn’t beneficial to them. It’s important to limit their use of pages that can be dangerous. You also need to teach them to take care of themselves.

2. Fear of missing out or FOMO

Due to constant connectivity from mobile devices, this phenomenon is becoming more and more common. It occurs when people believe everyone in their social networks is having more fun than them. 

It’s inevitable for teenagers to feel an overwhelming amount of pressure to do what others do. What they want least is to stay behind and look less cool.

3. Ability to exaggerate and dramatize

Adolescents’ minds are about to reach adulthood. However, they’re still developing. The hormonal alterations and their context lead them to have different (even distorted) perspectives on things.

Many of the situations they face will end up sounding dramatic. They’ll think everything is urgent and important.

Something that may seem trivial to you might be a priority to them. You need to understand that your reality and your child’s aren’t the same. Therefore, your reactions aren’t the same.

It’s important for you to always discipline when necessary. However, make sure that you’re understanding as well.

4. Attachment to friends

Everyone who has ever been a teen has experienced that misunderstood attachment to friends.

In this stage of life, they will value people who “understand” them more. That’s why they might go against you more to feel accepted by their social circle.

5. Frustration when communicating with parents

It’s natural for communication to change when children go from being children to teens. Parents of teenagers become characters that make rules and chores at home. However, that’s what they want the least.

The good news is that it’s always possible to keep a good relationship with your teens while maintaining your authority.

It’s up to you to figure out how to manipulate the situation. This way, your children can have a healthy and happy adolescence.

6. Frustration from not meeting expectations

Teens have emotional and social burdens that you may or may not remember. It’s not easy to be a model student, help with household chores and be popular with friends.

Therefore, when an adolescent doesn’t fulfill the expectations others have for him, he can end up feeling frustrated.

7. Changes in tastes and interests

Many parents don’t notice how much their children have grown and changed. The type of music, food, and activities they once loved might not be their favorite anymore.

Their personality finally comes through during adolescence. Many things can transform throughout this stage. Their personality forms little by little from experience and education.

Surely, many mothers of teenagers have been through similar situations. If you haven’t gotten there yet, be prepared to face this with love and serenity. 

As a responsible adult, you need to be your teenager’s guide and help him rather than become his rival.