And then we have teenagers..

That wonderful band where my gen Z’s are in..a band which we all want to be in but soon becomes a sore point for us moms as we navigate through it! You as a parent were looking forward to getting there but the story in this phase pans out very differently..Add to that the woes this miserable gadget called the phone with its plethora of images has gotten them hooked and how! Covid has ruined them in so many ways I’ve lost count! All these guys in this zone are now a product of multi influences..As it is the hormones are running haywire and the feeds make them go further wonky in all senses..am forced but to laugh at wry humour, at their cringe worthy fashion and the menace of reels is all but exhausting.. They move a certain which way, talk a different tongue, twist, shake, imitate etc etc and its all wow and vibey! A reel  which  is transmitted at god alone knows what speed that before you know, it’s a sensation! Absolute mindless stuff about people , places and things..the 2 pronged fork wants you to be in the one marked as ignored and one other prong says hey, you ignore me and I will hereon shut myself up..what to do!? Tow the line, feel flustered but carry on being the good cop !

On the brighter side though, it’s a fun ride for both, them and you. The minute you sync with them ( and I feel that’s a good approach)  it’s a different world out there, one  which opens up, much to your surprise, imagination and wonderment. It’s a great idea to move with the changing times and who better to take you on that ride than your own offsprings. Its fun to resonate with their  thoughts  and mesh with their line of reasoning and why, their minds are not strictly crazy as it is anticipated by many. The optics of vision have evolved and it’s a wonderful feeling to be in the new range. New range of thoughts, emotions, reactions, impulses , responses etc etc. Again, we come back to the moot point of being open and accepting. No remorse of the era gone by, no what-ifs, no unnecessary thrusts on anything, why, that feels wonderful!

Moreso, if you are blessed with both the genders like I am ( yes, again this gender issue  calls for a fresh debate and new writings exclusively!) the joy in the journey is multiplied. The gen Z is not entirely crazy as perceived. In fact, I would like to think that in some arenas they are far more evolved than us. Here, I am not questioning age, authority, experience, wisdom –they will come as time goes but the ability to sieve the calm from the ruffle is quite with them. All one needs to do is believe in them and its all a beautiful phase of communication, experience, a tad bit of maturity and a whole bunch of laughs!

ALSO, I have seen the golden adage of SILENCE IS GOLDEN works wonders for kids in this age bracket..