Colman Noctor: Fact-checking three common myths about teenagers 

Stop blaming teens, and fact-check the stereotypes instead

Now that I have two children in their teens, I have faced the difficulties of parenting this life stage.

“You think it’s hard now? Wait for the teenage years.” I’ve heard versions of this warning from other parents since my first child was born, 15 years ago, but experience tells me otherwise. I have worked with teenagers for more than two decades, and while I acknowledge the challenges, their argumentative and unpredictable qualities are among the many reasons I enjoy it.

Now that I have two children in their teens, I have faced the difficulties of parenting this life stage. The differences are apparent, from the previously warm ‘goodnight’ hug to the quick two taps on the shoulder, and the growing time they spend alone instead of with me. The frequency and depth of hormonal mood swings have increased daily. And, of course, their impression of me as a ‘cool Dad’ is long gone.