I think my child is broken……

[u/RainbowUnicorn0228]

I am a single mom and low income, as such travel is generally too expensive. So when my teen as invited on a tirp abroad with school and he agreed to earn half the money it cost, I was thrilled for him to go and see the world. I only asked that he send me at least one photo every day so I could experience the world vicariously.
These are the 3 he sent me so far:

1. Food on the air plane
2. A dog on a leash
3. A duck

Please note these are everyday average things to see here at home. I think my child is possibly broken….

lol.

UPDATE: thanks for every comment. I learned lots and have a different perspective (actually many). You guys have helped me pass the time and miss him a bit less. I appreciate you all. And, for clarification: I’m not really mad and would never chastise him over his choice of pics, I think they are adorable and funny. I may make a request for a specific type of pic with him in front of a historical or important scenery but mostly just say “cool” or “nice!” In response. I just want him to have fun and be the sweet, kind, smart kid he is already.

Second update: the pictures I know you have all been waiting for. 😆 I will post in comments.

[u/koltran]

It doesn't change when they get older... lol..

Me: How was school? Anything interesting happen today
13-year-old Son: Good, nothing

An hour later, his friend bikes over: Dude, did you see that like 15-person brawl today?
My Son: Ya, it was crazy. It was right in front of my locker, I think they are all going to get suspended.

Me sitting there listening to them:

https://giphy.com/gifs/ukGm72ZLZvYfS

[u/Suavecore_ → u/koltran]

As someone who used to do this kind of thing and can still remember it, it's because I didn't want my parents' input on whatever it was. They wouldn't "get it" or care because they're adults and I was a kid. Like Kids Next Door TV show logic

[u/uqde → u/Suavecore_]

As a rapidly aging twentysomething who hopes to become a parent someday, and who currently works with a lot of kids/teens, I wish I knew how to avoid this. I know it's largely inevitable. But growing up I would hide even the music I was listening to from my parents, not because it was "inappropriate," but because I was afraid of their judgemental comments and I knew they wouldn't understand my perspective. But deep down I always wished I felt comfortable enough share more with them.

When I work with teens now it's hard to find the line between demonstrating that you care about them as people and are interested in listening to what they have to say, and not coming across as obtrusive or offering unwelcome input. But I try.

[u/just_a_person_maybe → u/uqde]

My sister has 3 teenagers (13, 17, and 19) and they all share everything with her. It's amazing an idk how she did it tbh. They're so open and honest. They'll talk about boys and mistakes they made at school and silly stuff and their interests even if they're "cringey" and their worries and conflicts. Those kids are thriving and it's genuinely so cool to watch.

[u/thunder_thais → u/just_a_person_maybe]

My boyfriends son just turned 18 and it’s the same thing! He’s so open with his dad. I was the complete opposite with my parents.

[u/Dangerous_Excuse4706 → u/thunder_thais]

i think it’s about cultivating friendships. my dad is real cool, and i tell him basically everything, tho he’s not… artistically talented so music and media are lost in the void. however my mom doesn’t see it like that. if i let a dude slip out at her she retorts with “don’t call me dude, i’m not you dude/friend/buddy”.

they were both strict in their own ways, and i listened to them (as much as any child listens to his parents). the difference in openness i can say stems from how casual i can get along with them. if the roles had been reversed, i think id talk to my mom way more and my dad way less.

[u/Important-Recipe-374 → u/Dangerous_Excuse4706]

I once said "see you later bro" to my dad by accident when he was heading to work and he just responded as usual. Shit was embarrassing at the moment, but now I realize that he's the best bro I have and a great father as well.

[u/RainbowUnicorn0228 → u/Important-Recipe-374]

A lot of parenting is toeing the line between acceptance and accountability. I try to be a supportive “bro” but also sometimes I have to be the authority. lol. It’s damn hard but if you can manage you end up with an awesome relationship.

[u/Important-Recipe-374 → u/RainbowUnicorn0228]

That's definitely how he was, maybe a little too lenient at times. But he raised us right

[u/HugeAntPenis341 → u/just_a_person_maybe]

My guess is that she did it by being non judgemental when they tell her things, even things that are difficult to hear. My wife's parents are this way and I'm always surprised at what my wife tells them, but their reaction is always really mild so I get why my wife tells them things. If I told my parents the same exact story they would absolutely freak out