I Was a Rotten Teen Growing Up. Now My Kid Is Using It as Blackmail.
A parent reflects on their troubled teenage years and how their child is now using that past against them. The parent is unsure how to address their child's behavior, which includes skipping class and referencing their parent's past mistakes. Seeking advice, the parent is encouraged to have an open conversation with their child about the consequences of their actions and the importance of honesty.
- ▪The parent has kept their troubled teenage past mostly hidden from their children.
- ▪Their child is now using the parent's past mistakes as a form of blackmail.
- ▪The advice suggests having an honest discussion about the consequences of rule-breaking.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Care and Feeding I Was a Rotten Teen Growing Up. Now My Kid Is Using It as Blackmail. I know this is not OK. Advice by Arionne Nettles May 25, 20266:00 AM Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Getty Images Plus. Copy Link Share Share Comment Copy Link Share Share Comment Care and Feeding is Slate’s parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, I was a pretty rotten teenager, which I’ve kept from my kids for the most part so far. However, now that my oldest is about the age I was when I started acting out, my mom thinks it’s hilarious to tell him about some of the things I did. (A separate issue, which I’m dealing with, but the damage has been done.) He’s now using it against me, and I’m not entirely sure how to handle it.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Slate Magazine.
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