Teens Say the Darnedest Things: 15 Times Parents of Teens Were Totally at a Loss

Parenting teenagers can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One moment you’re proud of their accomplishments and the next you’re tearing your hair out trying to understand what’s going on in their heads. It’s no secret that teenagers can be challenging at times, but they can also be downright hilarious without even realizing it.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 15 times parents of teens were totally at a loss for words. From unexpected questions to absurd statements, these moments will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even shed a tear or two. So, whether you’re a parent of a teenager or just looking for entertainment, read on for some real-life stories that prove that teens really do say the darnedest things.

My teen has been pushing us away and I no longer want to celebrate her birthday…advice?

Best Replies:

• This sounds normal to me. I was the same way when I was that age. Now, at 28, I love being around my mom. She will likely grow out of this. Extend grace where grace is needed and try having a heart to heart with her and let her you know that you love her and that you’re there for her if she needs to talk about anything. You can also let her know that you will require respect when you’re conversating, but you can also give her space when she needs it.
• Honestly sounds like normal teenage girl behavior. As long as she isn’t violent, doesn’t harm herself, doesn’t threaten to harm others or isn’t suicidal she’s fine. Hormones are crazy and being a teenager isn’t easy, especially for girls. The attitude, snapping and not wanting to be around parents as much is normal at this age. I was the exact same way and I’m fine and love my parents.
• Even though she is pushing you away, you still need to be there for her in every way. It will definitely be hard, but she needs to know you are there for her when she needs you. I would hold off on buying the car, but have the party. Have you tried sitting down and having a conversation about the way she is treating you and why? There is always a reason behind behaviour and you need to try and figure out what is causing it. Good luck and be strong. Being a teen is hard and parenting a teen is very hard.  You got this.

We are struggling to parent our teen who is also a parent

Best Replies:

• Your treating her like a regular sixteen year old… she isn’t. Let her learn the hard way. She wanted to grow up fast and be a parent. Let her see how hard it is.
• My daughter is 16 and bought her own $500 phone. Best believe I’m taking it when she ain’t acting right. If you are grounded from electronics it don’t matter who paid for the damn thing it’s gone. I would turn the wifi off because she can’t use it without the wifi unless it’s hooked up to a phone plan. But like I said I’d take it. And give her no option. Tell her to get her shit together and until she does so she can’t see/talk to the boyfriend. Homework first.
• I’m sorry but you can’t treat a mom like a child.
• What a tough situation. Im sorry, you’re going through this. If it was my house my rules would be followed. If the rules aren’t followed… Time to move out, get a job, and pay their own bills while they still know everything.

I caught my teen looking at half naked women on tiktok: Advice?

Best Replies:

• Time to bust out the seggs talk.
• It’s normal at that age, don’t think it’s anything to make a big deal out of.
• Normal… won’t be long now till you find crusty socks and washclothes under the bed.
• Talk to him. This is pretty age appropriate behavior… we talked to my son about the dangers of surfing the web for things and how most the time what he’ll find is an inaccurate description of acts/women. ( I.e porns and such) we talked about consent and how he was still to young to be looking at things but it was normal. Don’t make them feel shamed or abnormal for it… it’s absolutely normal and you really want to open the door for honesty.
• Consider kids are starting way earlier than that now and days. You should of had a sex talk with him. My god my brother hid playboys under his mattress he bought at school (people sell them out of their lockers) in 6th grade .

I found texts in my teens phone about his girlfriend being sad she isn’t pregnant….what do I do?!

Best Replies:

• Yes I would talk to him. And as the mother of a girl, if any future boyfriends parents ever saw a text like this I hope they would talk to me!
• I hope you showed your husband and yes you absolutely have every right to check the phone. Good thing you did. I was a teen parent too and I definitely do not want that for my own children. I’d talk to the gf or tell her you’re going to talk to her parents about it. That’s way less painful than having a baby. Good luck. I know it’s difficult.
• I can’t tell you what to do but if it was me, I would DEFINITELY say something to my son. I wouldn’t stop there, I would let the girl’s parents in on this situation too. She should know that her daughter may be trying to get pregnant. IDGAF about their privacy.
• I would absolutely talk to him about it, AND her parents. That is super scary for her to even say at 16 and I don’t see things going well if this is addressed.
• Who pays the phone bill? If you, then you have every right to go through it. If he pays it then you shouldn’t go through it!

My teen asked me to buy her an adult toy: Thoughts?

Best Replies:

• I would be so happy my child came to me. I would talk to her about how to clean them and about sex but I would buy her one. Wanted to explore her own body is not a bad thing and I think if you say no she will just find another way or maybe actually have sex… be proud she came to you and just have an honest conversation.
• That would be a hard NO.
• Either that or she goes and explores and doesn’t come to you again, pick your choice.
• I don’t see why not. It kept me from seeking it from guys and saved me a lot of drama and trouble. It’s safer than her having sex.

Should teens get tattoos?

Best Replies:

• When my daughter turns 17 we are going to get matching tattoo.
• Mine all get them on their 17th birthday.
• Is the ocean deep?! It’s their body they should be able to make that decision.
• Perhaps compromise and place the tattoo that can be covered for work etc if the need arises. Before tattoos became acceptable (many people still don’t think they are) you would get them placed where they could only be seen if you were in sleeveless tops, shorts etc.

How to get a teenager to stop stealing?

Best Replies:

• Well first you have to get on same page as her parents if she doesn’t stop maybe let her deal with outcome whether it’s juvenile detention or whatever it may be.
• Call the police on her ( you can do it anonymously) she will not stop stealing until she faces the consequences.
• So by the sounds of it she stole once. Has anyone asked her why she stole it?
  Is there something going on in her life That she’s started this? Attention seeking? In trouble with peers?
  If it’s not the first time talk to her parents and come up with a plan.
• Not your business, dad’s job to discuss with her mom…

Was I right or should I have minded my own business?

Best Replies:

• Good for you! Your mother should have said something the first time it happened.
• She needs to be told that it’s inappropriate. Not knowing her backstory maybe that’s the only way in the past that she’s been able to get attention. Talk to her one on one and don’t embarrass her in front of people. Let her know that she doesn’t have to show her body to get attention and to be loved. Dressing so provocatively usually attracts the attention you DONT want. Especially at that age. Good luck.
• The girl definitely needs to be talked to and asked to respect the dress code if she’s staying there.

I caught my daughter listening to rap music…what can I do?

Best Replies:

• This can’t be real. It’s gotta be a troll. Ain’t no way there’s a mom out there really restricting their 14 year Olds choice of music like that…
• I’d be breaking out my own “oldies but goldies” rap songs and showing her who the real artists are  I can’t really say much because I’ve always hated rap, but my kids who are 9 and 5 have been listening to heavy metal since birth.
• As a Mom, you have to pick your battles. I raised 3 girls and had to learn this. I didn’t care for their taste in music, some of it was pretty bad. I honestly don’t think they payed any attention to the words until I brought it to their attention. After that, if it got really bad they would change it on their own. I wouldn’t have battled that concern, thankfully I didn’t have to. My main concerns were education, behavior and being respectful. Choose your battles.

Was I wrong for calling the cops on my sons friend?

Best Replies:

• Be proud that your son told you what was happening… I know I would be… And second you did the right thing by calling the cops… That kid would no longer be allowed in my home after that.
• You are not wrong at all. You are raising a good young man. That dad… Not so much. That behaviour needs to be nipped in the Bud right there and maybe getting arrested may have hopefully helped him change his path… one can hope anyways.
• You’re definitely in the right. That dad is raising a bad child and is approving of his delinquent behavior. You should be proud your son said no, though! Means you’re raising him correctly. And the fact he trusts you enough to come talk to you is awesome.  but no don’t feel bad for calling the cops you did the right thing.
• No way! You did the right thing. His father should be thanking you for reaching his son a lesson because obviously he hasn’t brought him up to know what’s right and wrong.
• No. You are not wrong. His actions, his consequences. He needs to learn that daddy can’t get him out of consequences in the real world. Obviously he has done this before. I’m soooo happy your son came to you and told you what happened. Good job at raising him right Momma!!! 

RELATED: 30 Games for Teens – Best Party Games for Teenagers

My mom feels she has lost control of my 16 year old brother

Best Replies:

• Sounds like he got into drugs.
• This is typical addict behavior.
• Where is his father. ? You need to take him to counseling.
• i would take his door away and everything and i do mean EVERYTHING out of his room and just leave him a mattress on the floor , i would tell him he can earn everything back with a better attitude and a respectful tone and a clean room and helping mom around the house.

What should I do about my son?

Best Replies:

• Honestly it sounds like he’s depressed. Ask him what’s on his mind. Don’t let him come to you bc then he might think you don’t care. (Coming from a 15 yr old who was depressed at that age).
• Puberty hits all kids differently…he may be getting depressed and feels like he can’t communicate with others. Maybe the school counselor is a safe place to start and maybe they can help.
• Depression. Something is bothering him and he seems afraid to say something.

Best choice for my fifteen year old daughter?

Best Replies:

• I mean, technically if she wants an abortion, that’s her choice. I’m not sure because of her age if she’ll need parental consent or a parent present or how that works but my personal opinion is if she wants an abortion, she should get one then she needs to make an appointment to get birth control.
• Is her mom going to take care of and raise the baby? Will her mom take full responsibility until her daughters child turns 18? Will her mom deal with the judgement at school along with physical and emotional changes? The mother can feel however the hell she wants but that doesn’t give her a right to decide unless she wants to raise the baby herself & in that case the mother should get pregnant.
• I think this is a good time for mom to have a real heart-to-heart discussion with her daughter. Lay out all of the options so daughter can make an informed decision, and genuinely talk about it with her. Because it ISN’T a decision that should be taken lightly. But honor her choice, and support her decision regardless of what it is. This is something daughter alone will have to carry for the rest of her life. Whatever choice she makes.

What can I expect with CPS?

Best Replies:

• They will do a home inspection ask everyone in the house questions including him alone. Might want drs records. Ive spanked my kid but never used a belt and honestly they arent gonna like that and you might have an abuse case because of it.
• You beat your child with a belt and now you’re worried about what CPS might do. YIKES. Surely there’s other methods of parenting but you literally chose violence and now there’s consequences borne of your choices.
• Well you beat him with a belt its not like you smacked his butt a couple times. So no I doubt cps will share your mindset.
• Spanking isn’t ok in the first place. Studies show nothing but negative effects from it…and you used a belt. You may be in a little trouble but they will probably just make sure the house is ok and may make you do parenting classes or something.

My son is dating his brothers ex: Advice?

Best Replies:

• Stop him. He’s not of age. What is a 14 year old doing dating?
• Time to teach them bro code! That’s kinda shady.
• Noooo. Teach them better than that. Fam first always. Bro’s before…

Parenting teenagers is never easy, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. While teens can be frustrating and challenging, they can also bring joy, laughter, and unexpected moments of hilarity. As parents, it’s important to take these moments in stride and appreciate the humor in the midst of chaos. We hope that these 15 real-life stories have brought a smile to your face and reminded you of the joys and challenges of parenting teens. After all, as trying as those teenage years may be, they’re also full of moments that we’ll treasure for a lifetime.

For even more staggering parenting questions, keep reading. We’ve got fifteen of the wildest questions ever asked on our forum to share with you.

Question: ‘What would you do if your partner downloaded tinder and said it was for work?’

Best Replies:

• “Believe what you want” is classic. He’s doing something wrong. Period.
• The fact he actually thought you would buy such a lame excuse is insulting and then ‘Believe what you like’… He’s checked out. Time to move on.
• What job would require you to download tinder anyway? Come on, I don’t think you need anyone else to tell you what’s going on.
• My ex husband did this! Told me a porn site made his account. He had a photo uploaded and a little bio written exactly how he would write things.
• My ex husband literally did this and said it was for getting his dating advice business going. We’re now happily divorced!

Question: ‘How can I tell my friend her children do not smell good?’

Best Replies:

• I would be honest. If those kids smell that bad that’s a child protection call waiting to happen. Is it their clothes or actual body odor? Does their house smell like that too? There are a lot of reasons why they stink. Either way, be honest and let her know.
• If that’s your best friend speak directly. Maybe it’s none of those above reasons and your friend is really going through something . These are warning signs especially in women.
• Maybe write her a letter and don’t sign it so she doesn’t know where it came from because I think if your honest with her she may get upset and that would be difficult for your friendship!
• Just tell her that they stink they are probably nose blind and don’t realize they stink.
• If she is a true friend she should expect you to be honest. That what friends are for.

Question: ‘Why is my toddler eating his poop?’

Best Replies:

• Prayers for your son in Jesus mighty name Amen.
• Oooo we had a kid at our center like this and he was vitamin deficient! He got some therapy and treatment and was all better in 4ish months. You are so brave and such a good mom for asking for help!
• Maybe a vitamin deficiency? Or there’s a thing called pica where people crave non food items.
• As a mental health professional I promise at this age it’s not that unusual. Usually it means he has a vitamin deficiency or is getting comfort in some way. It like kids who pick their nose and eat it.

Question: ‘How to sage a house and rid of a ghost?’

Best Replies:

• My brother used to say, what’s the worst a ghost can do? Blow some wind at you.
• Definitely would suggest finding a medium to help, they can direct you to the best solution.
• Sage with the doors and windows open so the spirit can get out and then salt the doors and windows. Tell it that it’s not welcome in your home.
• I would be gone that sounds pretty freaky…

Question: ‘Does your spouse time you when you do something?’

Best Replies:

• That is insanely controlling!!! I don’t even want to think of what else this man does that is completely unacceptable and uncalled for. It’s only going to get worse over time though. #boybye
• Tell your spouse to bugger off. If they want it done faster tell them to do it!
• Time him during sex and then say he needs to last longer.
• I’ve delt with this, they could also be timing you so they can cover up what they are doing, not saying this is the case, but he could be either cheating or something and timing you so he can do that but than blaming you for not being fast enough. Definitely red flag either way it’s wrong!

Question: ‘Was I wrong for calling the cops on my sons friend?’

Best Replies:

• Be proud that your son told you what was happening… I know I would be… And second you did the right thing by calling the cops… That kid would no longer be allowed in my home after that.
• You are not wrong at all. You are raising a good young man. That dad… Not so much. That behaviour needs to be nipped in the Bud right there and maybe getting arrested may have hopefully helped him change his path… one can hope anyways.
• You’re definitely in the right. That dad is raising a bad child and is approving of his delinquent behavior. You should be proud your son said no, though! Means you’re raising him correctly. And the fact he trusts you enough to come talk to you is awesome.  but no don’t feel bad for calling the cops you did the right thing.
• No way! You did the right thing. His father should be thanking you for reaching his son a lesson because obviously he hasn’t brought him up to know what’s right and wrong.
• No. You are not wrong. His actions, his consequences. He needs to learn that daddy can’t get him out of consequences in the real world. Obviously he has done this before. I’m soooo happy your son came to you and told you what happened. Good job at raising him right Momma!!! 

Question: ‘Would I be wrong to skip my uncles funeral for my daughters baseball game?’

Best Replies:

• If my nephew missed my funeral to go to his daughter’s baseball game I’m going to come back and haunt him. She’s 10, you’ve 8 more years to watch her play sports. This is a good life lesson for your daughter as well. Sometimes we have to put our plans/events to the side to be there for people we love. I totally understand you not wanting to take her. You going will teach her a valuable lesson.
• How would you feel if it was your funeral or your daughter’s funeral, and others elected to go to a ball game rather than pay respects?
• There will be more games, but you’ll never get to say good bye to your uncle again.
• Set a good example of the importance of “family” by attending the funeral. There will be many more events in her life.

Question: ‘What do you do when you are in your car and your child has to pee?’

Best Replies:

• I’m not judging but…why didn’t you just go inside?
• It’s called pull into a parking spot and take them inside to use the restroom. It’s not that hard to do.
• They have little mini potty toilets that collapse and you store in a bag on Amazon. You just put a bag on the inside of it if and then throw it away. Works great for the car!
• I just pull over and tell her it’s only emergencies to squat…I just open the passenger front door and the back door to make a little enclosed area to feel covered.

Question: ‘Anyone else have a child that will not stop talking?’

Best Replies:

• Possible meds? Put in ear buds, white noise on headphones, can you leave him alone and go somewhere quiet? Chewing gum or teething beads or singing lessons or learning to play an instrument you have to blow into to keep his mouth occupied? Maybe steer him towards a job as a DJ? Has he always been this way or is puberty exacerbating this?
• Mine is 4 but the same way. Sometimes she talks so fast she makes up words and sounds to fill the middle of her sentences. Its a lot.
• I put on his noise canceling headphones.
• Mine is 24 and autistic. With his OCD he says yeah and I know literally at least a 1000 times a day but won’t rest until you repeat it. At least you don’t have to deal with that. Its exhausting. But you really should be grateful they can speak at all. For years I waited for mine to speak and I keep reminding myself of that.

Question: ‘Would it bother you if your husband never wore his wedding ring?’

Best Replies:

• Ring or no ring, if he wants to cheat he will. He could wear his ring around you and take it off the moment he leaves. I wouldn’t let that upset you, tbh.
• I don’t wear mine and my husband does. I work in a school so it gets in the way. Everyone knows that I’m married though. It all depends… is he acting single or saying he’s married?
• No. My husband didn’t for a while. He worked in a place that would have been dangerous to wear one, so he switched to a silicone one. That irritated the skin under it, so he went without. He was bothered that he couldn’t wear one so he made the decision to get a tattoo. I personally know only one person that refused to wear a ring, even when the wife asked. We’ll just say the reason he didn’t is for the exact reason most would suspect.
• How long have you been married…take yours off for a while, say nothing and see how long it takes him to notice. What kind of work does he do?
• 21 years married and he doesn’t wear it. Lost it once on a job site luckily found it. We have it, but I trust him.

RELATED: AITA For Serving My Husband’s Family Mac N Cheese For Dinner?

Question: ‘Anyones toddler refuses to try condiments?’

Best Replies:

• It’s probably better than refusing to eat it unless it has a bunch of stuff all over it. Let her eat her food plain. I think as she gets older, natural curiosity will prompt her to try a condiment or two; especially if she sees others eating and enjoying them. I didn’t put condiments on my kids’ food when they were starting out on solid food, because I wanted them to taste the food instead of the condiment; but later on condiments were offered. Tastes change over time as well. With toddlers, you gotta pick your battles at times! Good luck!
• My youngest used to drink condiments from the bottle. I had to eventually gate the kitchen when I seen her chugging maple syrup and ranch????‍.
• Sounds like she likes the taste of food! That sounds great! Some kids won’t eat unless their food is covered in condiments. Definitely take it as a win!
• My 6 year old daughter refuses all condiments… mustard, ketchup barbecue sauce, relish, soya sauce, salad dressing, etc.
• It’s not a bad thing necessarily. Some countries don’t even utilize condiments. Your child will grow up appreciating the taste of the food instead of everything having to be altered.

Question: ‘Has anyones spouse had wet dreams?’

Best Replies:

• It’s VERY common! However, it’s not always discussed. ( I’m not saying that’s a good thing, Just that it occurs). I do think that it is something that needs to be normalized (in and out of relationships), and discussed.
• Well, I can’t see my spouse’s dreams so going from pure logic and sense…probably. :rofl: doesn’t everyone at some point…
• Why would you even post something like this? SMH!!!
• I had quite a few while pregnant! Lol
• Are you even old enough to be married if you’re asking this question?

Question: ‘Would you be okay with your 5 year old drinking coffee?’

Best Replies:

• What about Decaf with milk? Our 2 year old wants to be just like us so we make him a decaf. He feels so grown up!
• Doesn’t sound like it’s an every day occurrence. Imagine the memories being made. If you’re worried, send a bottle of sugar free creamer along. But I wouldn’t want to ruin such a special moment being shared over a little sugar.
• The memories are worth far more than being upset about a little bit of sugar imo. If my mom did this with my son, I’d just shrug it off, it’s only once in a while and it’s special to them <3
• Tell her to use milk or a non dairy milk like almond milk to dilute all that creamer.

Question: ‘I want to name my son Lucifer but my family has an issue with it: Advice?’

Best Replies:

• I personally love the name. But I also love that show. Your child, your choice.
• Why? Why would you want to TORTURE your child? He will be picked on, best up, have hexes thrown at him, holy water, curses, etc ALL BECUZ YOU WANT THIS STUPID NAME. It literally means devil! You stupid idiot if you do this and condemn him to a life of misery until he is old enough to legally change it himself. Be a GOOD MOTHER and give him a NORMAL NAME!
• My sons are 28, when they were in grade school there was a boy named Igor in their class. He was from another country, but by the time 8th grade came around, he had convinced his Mom to legally change his name to John. I really don’t think the kids teased him too much about his name, but Kids really don’t like different names. Get a dog and name him Lucifer…
• What he ends up being a Christian? Being named Lucifer would be terrible.
• I would never name my child that, because of how he would get treated in the future. I would suggest finding names that are similar like Luca, Castiel, Lazarus, or even Lucian sounds better. If you really like the name, get a pet and name it Lucifer.

Question: ‘Should we allow our kids to play with kids of a different faith?’

Best Replies:

• You open your minds and let your kids play with other kids.
• IF this is not a troll…why wouldn’t you? Perfect time to teach acceptance of other’s despite differences.
• Your kids are going to experience other religions throughout there life. You can’t keep your children from everyone who doesn’t have the same beliefs as you unless you lock them in your basement.
• They will be exposed to different religions in school on the playground. Sadly you can’t shelter your kids from everything that’s different.
• This… this is like, a late April Fool’s joke, right? If not, OP, PLEASE, make yourself some friends outside of your cult, because, dang.

In conclusion, the 15 most unbelievable questions ever asked on our community forum prove that the internet is a vast and fascinating place, full of unique individuals with an endless supply of hilarious individuals. While some of these questions may seem strange or even silly at first glance, they also serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity of perspectives and experiences that make up our online communities.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading through these bizarre inquiries and invite you to join us on our forum to add your own voice to the conversation. Who knows, maybe your question will be featured in the next round-up of unbelievable forum posts!