u/PaddedValls

I nipped down to Home Bargains tonight, and when I got back to my car, around 30-40 teenagers turned up only to be stopped from entering by one hero female worker at the door.

I stayed in my car, but kept watch just incase things got out of hand. Noticed another older guy doing the same.

I could see they were shouting things at her, but nothing went any further than that.

They kinda moved away so I drove off.

I'm not saying I'd confront teenagers by starting swinging. It's just about being prepared for the worst to happen.

Anyway, it got me thinking: at what point does confrontation with teenagers become too dangerous? For me, personally, any more than 5 and I'm going to find another way to deal with it i.e phone the police etc.

Tonight had a group far too large and that mob mentality would send a few of them to try to be an "alpha".

I work on the tools in manufacturing, so have seen my fair share of interesting characters.

A good few years ago we had a new start. I think he was around his early 40s.

He got put on with me to learn the ropes (I was around 26 at the time) and soon after we were introduced and left to our own devices by the gaffer, he said to me, "You'll never believe what happened to me this morning. Me and the wife are doing it doggy in the shower and she goes ahead and shits all over me. Lucky we were in the shower. Nightmare morning."

I didn't know whether to laugh or run away.

What kinda guy introduces himself like that.

Anyway, he ended up being a somewhat strange character (hard to believe) and he was crap at the job so he didn't last long.

He literally doesn't want to do anything that isn't just gaming on his PC.

I gave it a go, but I'm so shit at it that he just got frustrated with me.

I have suggested countless different things, and asked him countless times if there's anything he'd like to do. No matter what it is.

It's like pulling teeth.

So I'm done getting stressed over it.

If that's how he wants to spend all his free time, then so be it.

He doesn't have a job yet, but is on a college course, so he does get out. As soon as it's done, he's back into his room.

No exercise or anything.

Poor Carol

Currently I pay for his phone, a few subscriptions, his gym membership and a couple of classes he goes to for his hobbies. I'll always pay for his food. While he's living with me, he will always be fed and have a place to sleep.

I'll be honest, I could do with him taking over payment of his hobbies as they're not cheap anymore and I'm scraping by until each payday.

Does that make me a pisspoor parent?

Surely there's a way to have them reflect out, without sacrificing sunlight or making them vulnerable to seeing into at night.

Feels dodgy asking strangers to mind my son, but he's a sensible lad and i'll be dropping off, then picking up after.

Son and his friend (both 16) bought themselves tickets to a gig a while ago.

He's only just told me about the under 18 thing.

*Perhaps that's on me for not checking or not instinctively knowing, but here we are.

The gig is sold out so I can't buy a ticket to go with them.

My plan is to take then down there and ask a reasonable person, who is queuing for entry, if they'll say they're with them until they get in.

They are sensible lads and won't be any trouble or sneaking drink etc.

I'm picking them up after it anyway

Woke up at 4am after having a dream that jolted me awake.

My alarm is set for 6:30.

I have sat in bed, with my eyes closed, for an hour and am still wide awake. My eyes are still heavy though.

How long would you give it and, if you do give up, what do you then go and do with the time?

Are private phonecalls on the way out?

I see the youth just facetiming each other all the time, with their conversations completely open to the public.

So will the generation after them do that too, and private phonecalls will become a thing of the past?

Henry getting absolutely rat arsed and trying to copy what they're saying is hilarious.

A bit of a social experiment coming up soon.

It's my sons 16th birthday next week.

We've said to both sets of grandparents that we'll go out for a meal. (To be honest, it saves us having my father at our house because he's a nightmare and stays far too long).

They are both very well off. We aren't struggling, but paying for 7 people's dinner is going to be quite the hit to disposable income, especially so soon after payday.

Now, i have no doubt that either set of grandparents will offer to pay.

We, technically should be the ones to pay, since we invited them all.

16 year old gets another free meal (bloody lowlife /jk)

So, who wins (or loses)?

Kids playing outside is usually a good sign, and let's be honest...the majority of residents being pensioners.

I mean, I'm 36 and my neighbours on either side of us must be in their late 60s.

All men have been there. That little bit of hair starts to show up on your top lip and you think it'll be a handlebar in less than a month.

Said to him, he's more than welcome to give it a proper go, but all men come to the eventual conclusion that it is *not* a good look 😂

He's growing his hair and growing his "moustache".

We're knee deep in the teenage years here.

I've been awake since the back of 5 but still lay here scrolling and watching the occasional YouTube vid (on low because the wife is still asleep).

I'll get up shortly. Maybe 8.

Are you someone who jumps out of bed immediately.

I'm caught in a loop of getting up at 5am for work, and bedded at 9. Asleep no later than 10pm.

I wouldn't mind having a longer lie in at the weekend but I can never do it.

Caffeine has zero effect on my alertness, and never has. So can't use that to stay awake.

There are advantages to getting up early, but my wife doesn't wake up until around 10am at the weekend.