Top Five, Bottom Five: What One Mom Likes and Dislikes About Raising Teenagers

# Top Five, Bottom Five: TEENAGERS — a reader-first brief

What she lists as the Top Five

2) THEY ARE INDEPENDENT (BUT ALSO NOT AND I LOVE THAT TOO!)

• Teens handle everyday tasks: communicating with teachers, making snacks, doing laundry, and caring for pets.
• At the same time, they still want some parental closeness—cuddles, help with projects, or mom's pancakes—so the relationship shifts rather than ends.

3) THEIR "THINGS" ARE JUST SUPER FUN

• The author enjoys teens' sporting events, hobbies, travel, and other activities more because those experiences feel more mutual and mature.
• Running errands or grocery shopping with teens can feel like shared time rather than one-sided logistics.

• Compared with small children, teens offer practical help around the house: chores, errands, and tasks that reduce parental workload.
• The author notes a tangible relief in not having to manage every bedtime routine or personal care step.

5) THEY ARE GENUINELY THEIR OWN PEOPLE NOW

• The biggest pleasure for the author is watching distinct personalities, goals, fears, and ambitions emerge.
• She enjoys getting to know her children as individual adults-in-progress.

What she lists as the Bottom Five (excerpted)

The post shifts tone and lists five less-pleasant realities about parenting teenagers. The supplied excerpt includes three items:

• #5: THERE ARE A LOT OF OPINIONS NOW — Teens express preferences and push back on meals, clothes, and friend choices.

• #3: THEY CHALLENGE YOU — The excerpt cuts off immediately after this item begins, so additional details and items #2 and #1 are not available in the provided text.

Bottom line

The post is personal and practical. Its Top Five focuses on humor, growing independence, shared activities, practical help, and the joy of seeing children become distinct people. The Bottom Five starts with realistic strains: stronger opinions, higher costs, and increased emotional or behavioral challenges. The excerpt ends before the bottom list is finished, so readers who want the complete set of drawbacks will need to open the original post.