17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

N

Neilster

Guest
Frank, your post prompted me to write this. Having raised 3 boys and a daughter (now 27, 26, 24 and 23) with one step son to go (now 17), I can say with some authority that the most difficult and challenging years are 17 thru 19. While I have a son and daughter by my first marriage, and three step sons on my second, they pretty much all had the same characteristics (daughter excepted).

THEY HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, BUT DON'T EVEN KNOW THE QUESTIONS...

Somehow, when they hit 20, they come out a fog or something into a new reality. A 20th birthday is indeed cause for celebration.

Those multi 17 to 19 year olds probably contributed quite a bit to my hair loss. There is nothing more gut wrenching than a police cruiser coming up the drive or at the door and one of your kids isn't home. You can't be with them 100% of the time and you just pray that their friends (who drive) have some sense in their heads. This something that a teen ager just can't fathom. After, nothing is going to happen to them.

Guardian angels, thank you.
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

For me, I don't think I'll be out of that challenging state untill I graduate from college. So you can extend that 19 all the way up to 22 :)
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

I have 2 in that year range.
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

I have one. He's exceptionaly good, really could not ask for more, BUT OH THE WORRY!! All I do is worry, everytime he goes out in the car, I worry! There are so many car accidents resulting in serious injuries and some in death in highly conjested New Jersey. Mix into that a new element of highway crime, gangs such as the "Bloods" & the "Crypts" and drivers who don't give 2 bits about anyone else and the roads are dangerious.
It was so much easier when they were four, wasn't it??
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

Sandy I don't worry about my boys. I did the best I could raising them and I trust them completely. I know there are a lot of nuts out there that concern me but I can't prevent bad things from happening, as much as I wish I could.

Neal's graduation is Thursday and on to Auburn this fall.
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

If I could only have that outlook and feel it & mean it, I'd give your your pick of my McLarens, absolutely free & pay for it to be delivered to your driveway, on a flatbed with a full tank of gas. It would be like a 40 pound weight taken off my shoulders. I have not had a day without worry since 3/7/'01 the day he got his license.
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

Sandy I wish I could give it to you. I have complete peace if mind.
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

I have peace of mind, but emptiness of wallet. :)
 
RE: 17 thru 19 - The most challenging years

Matt worked all year at college - nights, at the campus security building, manning the switchboard. As soon as he came home, he got a job. Today's his 1st day. Working as a Host at "Friendlies" (It's a family style, inexpensive restraurant featuring ice cream). He takes names & seats people. He seldom asks us for any money. His grades came & his GPA was 3.0 (a "B"). Anyone who ever says to him, "You MUST be spoiled, 'cause your Daddy bought you a brand new car: ~ he vows to never speak to again! He HATES that! Headstrong, however he will seldom listen to me. Needless to say, the college costs are thru the roof, when you pick a private school, and get NO financial assistance! (He was a "C+" student in High School, so NO scholorships at all!).
Worse than handing over $$$$$ is my constant worry. I am getting an ulcer and frequently have a stomach ache, just from excessive worry. 90% of it regarding his SAFETY.
 
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