"You're Lucky You're So Cute"

"You're lucky you're so cute."  A whole lot of parents have said it to their infants and toddlers when they get into something or create a stinking, poopy mess up their back and into their hair.  Babies were created to be so incredibly adorable because they are a hand full.  Okay, I know there's more to it than that, both scientifically and in a million other ways.  Still, you have to think that was part of the plan.  God knew that if you were given a moody 20 year old attitude from the start, the human species would die off. No one would want to have kids. (Don't get your panties in a ruffle; you know I'm right.)

So what happens when they're teenagers.  Cute is overridden by eye rolls, loud sighs and statements of being "so unfair" on a daily basis.  Let's be realistic.... you always, always, always LOVE your kids but there are days that you might not like them quite as much.  If you are getting all pissy right now and thinking there's no way it'll happen, just wait.  It does.  When they're teenagers, they can be downright mean and not much fun to be around.  You love them but you don't really like them that much that particular day.

But there's hope.....

While teenagers aren't cute, smiley and agreeable all of the time like most infants, they have their perks too.  They're independent.  Their attitudes are often just testing the waters and learning to do things on their own.  It can be a combination of frustrating and fun for them but it also is something that takes some practice.  On the one hand, they need your help to learn how to do things independently.  On the other hand, they want to learn on their own.  It's a balance and one that can inspire damn near anyone to be moody and frustrated.  It's actually understanding sometimes.  We've all been there and we all know the feeling.

So the next time your teenager snaps at you, take a minute to focus on not wringing her neck and remember that she's just frustrated at life.  Take a deep breath, give her a hug and know that this too shall pass.  If it gets too bad, there's always the water bottle...hey, a little squirt never hurts the puppy......