Tolerating a Teen's Redecoratingby Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger 12 Jun 2007 07:56 PM Hair, clothes, and body aren't the only "canvases" that a teenager has at their disposal. The parent of a teenager may very well find herself facing some interesting interior decorating choices as well. As the parent of three teens, I am having to learn some patience and tolerance around the interior decorating changes that occur in my household... I remember a few years ago, a friend of mine had a teenager who painted the walls of his room dark blue. She had told him he could not paint them black, so he went as dark as he could without actually painting the walls black. He also took his bed apart and put the mattress in the middle of the floor. I have yet to see any cans of paint going up the stairs--but we've had other changes--posters and prints I didn't find too appealing, the cute matching bedding has given way to red and black and more "grown up" styles. Shelves have been hauled out and in and all sorts of lighting and draping changes have occurred. As long as no permanent damage or structural change is done, I'm working on having tolerance. That doesn't mean I'm thrilled or "like" everything--I am just trying to keep things in perspective. I keep reminding myself that it could be worse. Redecorating their bedroom space is just another of the ways teenagers express their individuality and evolving identity. It is another way for them to claim their independence and try out styles and choices. Since I made up my mind years ago that I was definitely going to pick my battles, self-expression is one of those areas where I strive to have patience and understanding when it comes to the whims of teens. Besides, I know it is all temporary and eventually, I will get my house back and probably miss all the redecorating surprised of the teenage years. See Also: Too Old to Hug and Cuddle Allowing Teenagers Room to Flounder Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons  Bio has been removed by administrator Relevantparenting tags User Comments GloJane (5) 12 Jun 2007 11:24 PMI am so with you on this, Kori, Thanks. So many parents hassle with their kids about these identity things. I know another mom who understood. Even though her daughter wore black, and chains, and dark makeup, she new her daughter was one of the nicest teens you would meet....she saw into her daughter's heart. Oh.... you should see my guy's rooms! Glo "Let's talk about Kids" http://www.glo-wellman.blogspot.com  Nicole Humphrey (15757) 13 Jun 2007 05:31 AMLOL Kory, Is that what I have to look forward to? I get it times two at one time - and then another follows two years later with two more following each year after that. It's going to be a long and bumpy ride! :D Community Tags interior decorating, independence, teens Discuss this article
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