Raising a family in Sherman Country can be an amazing feeling. Whether you have your own kids, adopt, or even “borrow” kids from your friends and family members, you start to create your own tribe.
When you’re in a family setting, you get to let your guard down and be who you really are. The problem with that is everyone can see just how truly insane you really are. Combine that with kids who are testing the waters, dealing with raging hormones, and on sugar highs from too much candy, and it’s hard to see just who the sane ones are in the family.
Told my wife I wanted our kids every other weekend and she reminded me that we’re married and live together so I’d have to see them every day.
Families are like fudge: mostly sweet with a few nuts. And let’s be honest. Some are nuttier than others.
Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
The Daily Struggle
A parent’s job is basically a daily struggle to help a crazy person stay alive.
Seriously. No matter how old your kids are, you know that they are crazy. They can’t help it. They are still learning how to deal with their bodies, their emotions, their thoughts, and their urges.
How you deal with it is entirely up to you. Scream, day drink, take them to a park to let them run around in Sherman Country, or ground them.
Just remember that they’re watching your every move. They’re learning from you, whether you realize it or not. When you’re a kid, you don’t realize you’re also watching your mom and dad grow up. It’s not until you watch your kid do something that you do that you have your “ah-ha” moment. Usually, it’s an “oh crap” moment, though. You know, like when they drop the f-bomb for the first time, and it’s in the middle of a big family get-together.
Give yourself a bit of grace so that you can get through it all. Remember, too, that everyone is struggling with being a parent. Some are just better at hiding it than others.
Raising Teenagers is Just Chaos
Raising teenagers is like nailing JELLO to a tree.
Everyone thinks that their sweet, angelic kids will not grow into the monstrous teenagers that you hear about. They assume that their kids will be the exception to the rule.
Every parent struggles with the teenage years. It’s just that some parents don’t admit to it. They struggle in silence so that they appear to be a parent in control. However, they struggle with getting the JELLO nailed to the tree just like you.
There are plenty of reasons why raising a teenager is hard. Not only do they have a surge of hormones and a changing body, but they are also struggling with self-identity. They want their independence, and they may physically fight you to get it. Even if you don’t get into a physical altercation with your teen, you might think about it on a daily basis. They want to fight you on every decision you make, whether it’s in their best interests or not.
It’s why you need to make sure to give them grace, too.
When I was a boy, I had a disease that required me to eat dirt three times a day in order to survive… It’s a good thing my older brother told me about it.
Their insanity is normal. You were like that when you were in your teens as well. If you don’t believe us, just ask your parents.
Insanity really is hereditary. You’re not passing it on to your kids, though. They’re the ones making you insane. Unfortunately, it’s completely normal.
Some Parenting Tips to File Away
Your family is nuts. Your kids are raging and hormonal. You’re struggling. Is there an upside to parenting?
As they say, becoming a parent is great. It’s a beautiful and rewarding experience. It’s almost as good as not becoming one.
If you’ve already become a parent, we offer some tips so that life isn’t too crazy for you in Minnesota. After all, when you have happy kids, you can have a happy life. You can give them some amazing memories, and you don’t have to stay stressed for 18 years straight.
- Ensure your kids are getting plenty of sleep,
- Provide creative outlets so that they can eliminate stress when it creeps up,
- Let them know that mental health counseling is perfectly acceptable, and it’s okay to ask for help,
- Avoid getting angry; take a deep breath or walk away from the situation so you can compose your thoughts,
- Eat your meals together as a family to encourage conversation, sharing of the day, hopes, dreams, and more, and
- Establish quality time on a weekly basis, whether it’s playing a board game, visiting the zoo, or exploring a new attraction in town.
It’s important to embrace the insanity sometimes. The good news is that other parents will recognize the struggle. Some may even raise a fist in solidarity because parenting is hard.
Ultimately, there’s one thing that you need to remember: Be nice to your kids. They’ll choose your nursing home.
A Parent’s Job is Never Done
Parenting is never done, but what you do around your home can help you immensely.
At Sherman Pole Buildings, we believe it’s important to have a space that fosters fun. A pole barn can be the perfect way for you to let your insane family grow and bond.
When you’re a kid, you don’t realize you’re also watching your mom and dad grow up.
A pole barn can be created as a barndominium that becomes your home. It can also be an added space on your property where tea parties are held, ghost stories are told, and board games are played.
If you’re searching for a way to bring your family together in Minnesota, let us help. We’ll help you make the most of your land in Sherman Country, and we won’t judge you, no matter how insane you and your kids may be.
