A friend shared this blog post on facebook today.
http://www.scarymommy.com/multiple-personalities/
Fortunately, Hannah is #5 most of the time. It can be a bit frustrating sometimes that she is so mature and independent, but it really helps with the following list for boys.
Here's my male version of multiple personalities.
1. I know everything #1: 14 to 18 years. Exhibited by the rolling of eyes every time mom or dad makes a suggestion. If eye rolling doesn’t stop the suggestions, an irritated “I know. Get off my back.” usually does the trick.
2. I know everything #2: 16 to marriage. This is different than the first stage because now they are certain they know more than everyone, including parents, grandparents, teachers and leaders of all kinds. You can tell a boy is in this stage when you have a good view of his nostrils, and he only has a view of his own nose as he looks down at everyone.
3. I just turned off my brain: starts at high school graduation and lasts until they are forced to start a full-time job, serve a mission or start college. At this stage all a parent can do is shake their head and hope the kid doesn’t end up killing himself with all the stupid things he is doing.
4. I thought you were 15: One of the wisest mothers I know told me that teenagers will revert to a previous cycle through all the stages. So if your 15 year old suddenly starts acting like he is 5, take a deep breath and remind yourself that he is 5…plus 10.
5. “Thanks, Mom” stage: In this stage he is uncharacteristically grateful for all the things you taught him and all service you gave him in the previous 20 years. This usually shows up about one year after he leaves home.
In the old days at the MTC, they would have the parents and missionaries attend a meeting together before parting. While we were there to drop off Johnathan, one of the speakers said, "Sometimes we wish we could send missionaries out when they are 16 because if we could, the missionaries would still know everything and their mothers wouldn't cry."
I'll end with my favorite text from Johnathan during his fist year of college. "Thanks, mom, for teaching me how to wash dishes and do laundry. I just taught my roommate how to do it."
