Nyctranfer_small
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What's up with the constant complaining and negativism of the teen years these days??

My kids are great, sometimes helpful, good students. But they constantly snipe at each other and friends with a sharp sarcasm that seems awful to me but doesn't seem to phase them. They are quick to judge people and generally have an aura of complaint at all times. Their friends are just like them. Good kids but generally unsatisfied and entitled. I didn't raise mine this way--I'm all about positive parenting!

NYCTransplant asked in Teens & Tweens about 1 year ago | Report

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4 Answers

  • Medium_2868373187_b2c11c89cf_o_small
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    And why are they always loitering on people's lawns?!?!

    Basil answered in Teens & Tweens about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Picture_115_small
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    Was there really a time when teens weren't sarcastic and relatively cruel? I don't remember such a time but I was born in the 80s so take that as you will.

    Arsenic7 answered in Teens & Tweens about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Icon_small
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    Sarcasm and sharp words among friends wouldn't worry me much, but I would try to shut down nasty comments directed outside their group of friends. Since nasty comments don't faze them, they may not realize how much it can hurt more sensitive kids outside of their specific clique.

    keshmeshi answered in Teens & Tweens about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Qlandav2ex_small
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    Russ Campbell, NWEBS

    Complaints about the behavior and deportment of young people written nearly 3000 years ago seem as relevant today. It is part of the human condition and the progression of maturation. In a process of trying to understand and categorize the world many teens label things as good or bad and are unable (at their stage of development) to see the shades of gray that inhabit the vast area between these two poles. Fortunately for most, it is a passing condition that tempers with time, experience, and the development of empathy. I sometimes think of kids at this stage as proto-humans, still not completely formed but in the process of learning and maturing. It is often wrapped up in the learning of one important lesson, that life is not all about ME (as seen from their perspective).

    I think the script itself, or at least some of it, can also be attributed to the sarcastic insults bandied about in the typical 'one-liner' gotcha statements in what passes for comedy in the fast talking sitcoms today.

    The statement I have often used to answer or interject in those moments has been: "No one ever got taller, smarter, or better looking by attempting to make someone else feel small, dumb or unattractive."

    Russ Campbell, NWEBS answered in Teens & Tweens about 1 year ago | Report
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