re: Most challenging parenting years

I found parenting infants to be trying, but that was mainly due to inexperience. The 2nd one was much easier and reality is you have plenty of time if you teach them how to sleep alone.

Now I have boys 17 and 14 and there is something that happens around 13-14 where they become awful. Your bright kid that used to be cool as could be becomes this brooding a-hole. The littlest conversation becomes an inquisition to them. And any denial of their 'wants' becomes proof that you hate them or don't care about their life. Oh and if you're really REALLY 'lucky' you'll get a kid who doesn't want to learn how to drive.

My oldest is getting better about it, but the youngest is full on idiot over it all. Sometimes I have to take a step back and county my blessings because at least they aren't in trouble with the law or other major life changing things. In the end it is what you make of it. Kids will need discipline AND forgiveness as well as understanding and compassion and at the same time a watchful eye to try and catch them going off the rails.

The fun years are 3-12 IMO.