These signs say more about your parenting life than you think…
Welcome to the Chaos Club
Living with a tween or teen isn’t loud. It’s thunderous. And weird. And amazing. This isn’t a parenting guide — it’s a mirror. A slightly smudged one, probably with toothpaste on it.
The Main Signs — Which Ones Sound Familiar?
1. Snack Wrappers Multiply Like Rabbits
There were two this morning. Now there are nine.
- Cereal bar under the bed?
- Empty yogurt cup in the bathroom?
- A chip bag on the bookshelf?
2. Socks Have a Migration Pattern of Their Own
It’s like they’re alive. They move room to room.
Sometimes they show up outside. Sometimes inside the fridge.
Top Places Socks Appear Unexpectedly:
| Location | Frequency |
| Under the couch | 🧦🧦🧦🧦🧦 |
| In the fridge | 🧦 |
| In a sibling’s room | 🧦🧦🧦 |
| On the dog | 🧦🧦 |
3. Phone Chargers Are Now Rare Earth Objects
Someone’s always yelling:
“Where’s my charger?!”
It’s either plugged into every outlet or gone forever.
4. You Speak in Text Now (IRL)
“BRB.”
“LOL.”
“IDK.”
It’s easier than long talks when someone has headphones in again.
5. The “Closed Door” Means Many Things
It could mean:
- Homework.
- Napping.
- Crying.
- Just don’t.
Try knocking. Wait for “What?!”
That’s your cue.
6. Eye Rolls Count as a Full Response
Ever asked a question and got this?
🙄
That’s teen-speak for “No thanks,” “Stop,” or “I’m not ready to answer.”
7. The Bathroom is Occupied… For a While
🧻 Toothbrush time = 15 mins.
📱 TikTok time = 45 mins.
8. Their Clothes Are Always Missing… But Yours Aren’t Safe Either
“That’s my hoodie!”
“Not anymore.”
9. “I’m Fine” Could Mean 47 Different Things
And it’s your job to decode it.
| Phrase | Possible Meaning |
| “I’m fine.” | Not fine at all, probably hungry or annoyed |
| “I dunno.” | Wants to talk but doesn’t know how |
| “Whatever.” | This convo is over, no matter how it ends |
Quiz: Are You Living With a Full-Blown Teenager?
🧠 Answer Yes or No:
- Have you stepped on a charger this week?
- Is the fridge empty within 24 hours?
- Does your kid communicate mostly in emoji?
- Have you found a sock in a lunchbox?
- Do you get texts from across the house?
Score:
| Total “Yes” Answers | Result |
| 1–2 | You’re in early stages |
| 3–4 | You’re knee-deep |
| 5 | You’re in full teen territory |
📸 Parent Wall: The Realest Moments Captured
Caption:
“This is from Monday. Or Tuesday. Who knows anymore. That sock in the syrup? Not even surprised.”
🎯 Want to share yours? Tag @BetweenUsParents on Facebook!
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
There’s no badge for surviving this stage.
But there should be. Maybe one made of socks and snack wrappers.
Until then:
💬 Laugh when you can.
📸 Snap a pic of the weird.
🤝 And know — you’re not alone.
🧡 Join the Chaos Club
- 📲 Follow @BetweenUsParents
- 🤳 Tag a fellow parent living this wild life
- 💌 Share your story in the comments below
Would you like a downloadable version in Gutenberg block format or a Google Doc version next?
