Don’t let your teens have weapons like I have done here. Notice them plotting their attack?
Parenting teenagers is bizarre. One minute they’re smiling, sweet, and pleasant, the next they’re mad and upset. It’s an emotional roller coaster. The only visual I can give you is this: take both of your hands and hold them out straight in front of you. With one hand signal “come closer” and with the other signal “stop.” That’s what it’s like: come closer, I need you. Stop, don’t help me, I don’t need you. All at the same time.
These are my 7 quickest ways to get a teen to leave the room and it seems I’m doing quite well with my lucky 7. It’s not that I’m trying to get my teens to leave the room but that’s what happens. Sometimes I can’t help myself with this list. I don’t want to do it but I’ve got a lot on my mind (remember Internet Girl?) and I forget easily.
7 Quick Ways to Get a Teen to Leave the Room
- Ask about who they like.
- Ask what they have for homework and then a few minutes later ask for a second time. (Honestly, I shouldn’t get in trouble for this but sometimes it only takes a second or two and then I’ve forgotten!)
- Ask if they need helping speaking with a teacher, counselor or principal.
- Ask if they need help with their homework.
- Ask if they’re done with their chores or perhaps how their to-do list is coming along.
- Ask if they’re done practicing their piano (insert your musical instrument of choice here) for the day.
- Ask about any sort of bodily functions.
Need any other ways to drive a teen out of the room? One sure-fire method is to tune the radio to your station, and sing. Or, sing along to their songs when the music is on their station. Another one with staying power is telling them about your day and what you’ve accomplished. That generally comes with the glassy-eyed-feigned- interest look that I’ve come to love. Well, at least they seem interested!
The good ol’ days when my kids adored me and hung on my every word. Brugge, Belgium.
I’m sure I’ve overlooked a few ways or maybe you’d like to add one or two below.
Go Gingham related links:
Meet Internet Girl she likes shiny objects and is easily distracted!
3 Time Tested Family Rules – rules that worked – somehow
Parenting: Children’s Allowances
Social Networking and Parents Behaving Badly
Piano Lessons – they’re an indulgence at our house – time and money
Dance to music when they’re around.
Offer to chaperon a school dance.
Ask if you should all get matching shirts.
Talk about that nice girl/boy you met recently that looks about their age.
Follow them into the store dressing room.
Ask them about mother/child activities. (would they like to take a cooking class with you? How about a ceramics class? Yoga?)
Start fussing with their hair, or straightening their shirt, etc.
Oh Cathy! You’re good
These are too funny and I can picture each of these being said along with the replies!! Thanks!
Offer to cut their hair for them.
True, Heidi! We were just talking about that – as in why I no longer cut my kids hair…I swear there was only a little blood on the ear. Honest!
Excellent list! Anytime I am cleaning, they seem to disappear! Very funny!!!
Thanks Annie! Yes, I have that experience also when chores need doing. I loved your post today about the lettuce tower, too!
Glad to know I am not the only one with such super-powers! I remember, shortly after they were born, realizing that my relationship with my babies was going to be a love affair with a long, protracted break-up–and in the end, I was going to be the one getting dumped! Luckily, it’s not as bad as I once feared. I think, when it’s all said and done, we’ll agree to be “just friends.” (Hope so anyway…)
Rita – so true! It’s what we all hope for
Parenting is hard and especially during the teenage years. Who am I kidding? It’s hard whatever stage you’re in!! It’s also the most fulfilling job even when my teens leave the room 
This post made me laugh- I would add “let’s do some math together”- guaranteed to have them bolting for the door
Parenting teens in my opinion is the hardest job of all- to do well! Just when you think you’ve got the idea, you’re sharply reminded that you really haven’t a clue!
Rebecca- 3 teenage daughters-13, 16 and 18…x
My Rebecca – you are in it with the teens! I totally agree – it’s ever changing and you never know when they’ll tell you something or when they’re bolting
Thank you!!
Oh yes…teenagers, I’m closing in on having three of them under my roof and well my 9 year old acts like a teenager half the time. Calgon take me away. Oh you didn’t mention dancing like a fool…or did you?
No, I didn’t mention dancing like a fool but that is an excellent one! Well done! 3 teens and a tween – you are in it!! Good luck, Sheila!!
I’ll have to remember these!! I have found with kids my age asking them to leave the room guaranties they will stay in the room as long as possible.
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Petra, it will be here before you know it! Time flies and especially once they hit the tween years because they become teens almost over night! Enjoy it while you can.