Toddlers and teens

  As an observer, and one who readily recognizes patterns, I have found many behavioral similarities and surprising differences between the teenagers and the toddler in our home.  I am not talking about genetic personality traits, but more along the lines of reactions and approaches to situations. I am sure this is not the deal in every household with teens and toddlers, but I sure have drawn some parallels in our home, however, I find it humorous as to whom is really striving to be grown up and who is not.
  I know I can be very cynical at times, and I make no apologies for that, as this is my way of dealing with the day to day rigors of parenthood.
  Here are a few of my observations:
1) Not getting your way:
   a) Teen- Act like a jerk, throw a fit, and cry (whine).
   b) Toddler- Scream, throw a fit and cry
2) Asked to do something:
   a) Teen- Act like a jerk, throw a fit, and cry (whine).
   b) Toddler- "I'm to busy to help"
3) Need to go somewhere.
   a) Teen- "I need a ride" (Because I don't want to drive)  Mom; "you can walk or ride your bike." Teen- "UH!? It's too far!"Act like a jerk, throw a fit, and cry (whine).
   b) Toddler-"Want to walk? Let's walk."
4)  Beautiful day out.
   a)  Teens- Pull down shades, sit in room and play video games.
   b)  Toddler- "I want to go outside...RIGHT... NOW!

   

  Apollo wants to do everything himself, our teenagers want everything done for them. So, it begs to question; At what age do you stop wanting to grow up? It just seems peculiar that the toddler wants to become independent while the teens grow exceedingly codependent. I am sure our house hold is the exception, as most teens I have known, can't wait to break free of the parental chains that have bound them since their age could be measured in double digits. Yes, we do count our blessings that our teens aren't out doing all the things they could be doing that could get them in to trouble, however, I often feel like I am stuck in a day care with 3 boys, forever trapped in their Terrible twos!

At least if the teens had a job or girlfriends or sports, I feel that they would be less prone to a "terrible two tirade" when asked to pull their weight around the house, and maybe they would begin to strive for a little independence. Okay, I know that I sound like I am complaining, but that is because I am! I have averaged it out, and on a normal week, we spend 6 hours in the car shuttling our teens to and from school, scouts, and church related activities.  On the occasion that they have weekend activities, that can extend to 10 or 12 hours of back and forth. Did I mention that one of our teens is 17, has a nice truck to drive that was given to him, and all he needs is a drivers license and a job...and doesn't want either?  

  I am done venting now. For all their faults, Ian and Aden are good kids and Apollo enjoys and loves them. The hard part for me is seeing the defiant teenage attitude and the disciplinarian mother attitude manifest itself in Apollo. I find great humor in Apollo bossing his brothers around, but I am concerned that his anger and attitude are being enhanced by his environment. 

  Enough ramblings for the time being. I actually started this post in February, but we have had 3 plus weeks of house guests, so I am just now getting caught up on posting. I have much more to  come and hope to post another blog in a couple days and catch everyone up on the new baby news. Until then..