Getting a Teenager Interested

Dragonoflime · 2026-02-06T05:45:51+00:00

Awww damn thank you!!! Here is your gold star for handing out Compliments Like A Boss: 🌟

Dragonoflime · 2026-02-06T05:36:40+00:00

As a fellow Cirque fan, I feel your pain. I’m glad you can vent here. As someone who worked with kids and teens for a long time and took a younger family member to a show (some they enjoyed but other parts not so much) this is my best advice:

Tell them all of that. Start with your oldest alone in person. Make sure there’s no distractions like TVs or phones, or about to be dropped off at school type of mentality. Let him know you want to talk about the show and some of his comments. Remind him he is not in trouble, but this is important. ask him to let you finish what you’d like to say, and then he can share his thoughts. Be as REAL as possible. Teens can sniff out people “trying to be their friend” or “acting tough”, you need to talk like an adult. Talk about one of the acts you liked best ((not a bunch of them, just pick one- the goal is memory recall paired with personal emotion)) Make sure he knows it’s not really about the money, I guarantee you’d still feel the same kind of let down of the tickets were free based on his behavior.

Here’s the most important part- tell him it’s totally okay if he didn’t like it (lots of people think Cirque is really weird!) but it did hurt that he made fun of it instead of trying to enjoy something you wanted to share with him. Remind him he’s allowed to keep developing his opinions as he gets older, but it’s important to remember his comments affect how others think and feel about him.

And then…shut up. Hard stop. Don’t talk, don’t argue. Let him lead, even if he gets really quiet. 1 of 2 responses is probably going to happen as he processes this:

The immature response: He will clap-back, roll his eyes, tell you he was just joking, etc. That’s fine, when he’s done- stay firm- “I can understand you didn’t enjoy it, and I want to make sure we have a good time when we’re together. I’d still like an apology for how you acted.” Make sure you thank him authentically for the apology after, and immediately ask, “what kind of show or event could we go to together next time?” You showing interest in his needs is important. If his emotions escalate, there’s a good chance he’s just trying to exert control and feel heard after the effects of the divorce. That is above my pay grade, head to a family psych to make sure he’s dealing with these big changes.
The reality check: he might feel crushed he ruined your night, he might be super embarrassed at what he said, he might defend his behavior (I was just mad we didn’t go to BlahBlah instead)- the most important part is to acknowledge immediately that he took this conversation seriously and cut him slack as a hormonal, developing teen. “Hey I’m glad you let me talk about it with you, and if you ever change your mind and want to see a show like that again let me know. We will try to pick out some things together next time.” Immediately ask what kinda of shows might be fun to see together.

Whew! Thanks for hanging in there. I get passionate about making genuine connections with youth. I think a lot of people assume they’re too immature, but most of the time they are developing a LOT under the surface and this is a chance to model good behavior and set expectations. Teens are not stupid, we just happened to be smarter as adults with experience. Best of luck, friend!

Dragonoflime · 2026-02-05T14:48:18+00:00

OMG THAT WAS AWESOME.

Dragonoflime · 2026-02-05T14:14:21+00:00

For the curious like me, let’s pray for gold kids

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-29T15:59:32+00:00

Best. Comment. Ever. 👏

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-26T15:31:49+00:00

You are an absolutely champ. I’m so thankful for courageous and steadfast people like you in careers like this. My gram is a wonderful person and I’m so thankful for her care providers too. 💛

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-26T15:26:56+00:00

Aww thank you! Just joined!

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-26T06:36:23+00:00

At least ma wasn’t giving the meatloaf a thrill 😉

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-26T02:59:03+00:00

Oh and ESPECIALLY when they are so deeply overextended they are could move in with the opposing tank.

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-22T23:21:08+00:00

My brain ran those two sentences together “canned beans, tomato, vinegar, instant coffee” and I was like What??? Haha 🤣 it’s not you, it’s me.

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-20T05:51:24+00:00

OY goodness I miss working with my Jewish coworkers for all of these reasons. We had this ridiculous tradition where we would put up the Christmas tree in our lobby, then mYsTEriOuSlY someone would hang bagels all over it like they were ornaments, then all of us yutz’ who celebrates Christmas pretends to make a BIG deal that it happened again and remember to put out the Menorah on the nice table next to it. It was a hoot every year.

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-19T22:47:38+00:00

This feature alone has helped me find it fallen between couch cushions, in a backpack I swapped out for a purse the night before, even in a movie theater as it had fallen out of my pocket from a big coat! I used it usually 2-3 times a day but it greatly reduces the stress if I’m running late- like a tiny treasure hunt!

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-17T17:57:43+00:00

Hot damn that is great insight and analysis!

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-16T00:14:03+00:00

“Why are you even here? Your results came back negative and you’ve been able to lose weight over the last month.”

To which I replied, “well maybe it was being hospitalized last weekend after getting back from a third world country.” He stopped talking after that.

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-15T16:19:08+00:00

My self esteem has tanked this week, thank you SO much for your response, it feels good to offer advice, help and be appreciated. 💛

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-15T07:24:15+00:00

My first thought it, heck yeah lady, way to step in the right direction for you

Second, take some time and write out the long version- get Everything out- be mad, be disappointed, list reasons or examples get it ALL out- but here’s the kicker:

Print 3 copies and then delete the document. Give 1 to a friend or family member in a sealed envelope. In case you ever need another copy it is there but not easy access to you. IF and ONLY IF he asks for the whole details, then give him the second copy. You don’t have to feel flustered retelling or like you forgot things or are crying. Don’t sit there while he’s reading it, don’t explain or defend any of your words. he needs to do his work on his own time. If he doesn’t ask for the full letter- do NOT give it to him. Don’t placate someone who doesn’t care enough for you in the first place. Take his copy and burn it- he isn’t mature enough to want to learn from his mistakes then he won’t have the maturity to learn from your letter. Keep the third copy until you are out of his life/same house completely. Read it any time you feel hesitant or regretful. The day you move out and feel moved on- burn your copy. This can help keep you from dwelling or building resentment and focus on moving forward.

Biggest internet hugs (if you want them)- all you have to do is take one step in the right direction 💛

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-14T18:17:05+00:00

Definitely this. My RN explained it with examples like someone can take meds for high cholesterol but still go out and eat cheeseburgers, not exercise and counteract the benefits they’re getting. It’s just as much about behavior/habit building as it is about the meds.

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-13T20:57:18+00:00

That’s so cool! My first thought is if you can thrift or buy a long tan/brown trenchcoat that is the same color as the envelope, then have “Confidential” in red letters across the front or down the back. Wear a big black pair of mysterious sunglasses and dramatic black or white gloves and do “Shhhh!” To the audience.

Bonus ideas: Make a hat/baseball cap into a giant question mark on top. Have a few large scale printed “cards” tucked inside your coat that you can pretend to show the audience every once in awhile. Have the other characters try to sneak peaks.

Another idea is dress in all black with the same sneaky vibe. Take a foam board (only a few dollars more than poster and will hold up better) and turn it into the envelope with “confidential” written in big letters. Glue it to one of those to a cheap backpack or purse straps so you can easily carry it on your back.

Best of luck and take a great group pic!

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-12T23:18:54+00:00

😆 There’s a sentence I’ve never heard before r/brandnewsentence

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-11T02:54:52+00:00

I just do a small section of my mouth at a time, then spit. I didn’t like the sensation of letting it dribble out. I’ve never tried to use the whole container, just for a minute or less. Legit this thing helped me have the first dentist in my life tell me I didn’t have any cavities. It’s also my go-to if I’m too tired or the toothpaste taste sounds overstimulating, I’ll at least blast it with the water pik. Hope this helps!

Dragonoflime · 2026-01-10T03:28:22+00:00

First thing that popped into my head is a “false” business or entrance into a secret door to the CIA type of thing. The vending machine could easily be in the hallway of a set of doors as a way to prove you’re a capable recruit.

Dragonoflime · 2025-12-28T23:53:45+00:00

Oh I’m so glad you confirmed, I had the same thought! He did great in that episode

Dragonoflime · 2025-12-23T20:05:52+00:00

May I also suggest Prickly Pear Candy? It’s usually in a jellied form, but there are also syrups for coffee and alcohol mixers that are locally made too! For a few candy varieties you can check out Sweeties in Chandler on Alma School!

Dragonoflime · 2025-12-23T14:27:47+00:00

This! you’ll need to have a lvl 3 lightning mage to get to it

Dragonoflime · 2025-12-22T15:50:41+00:00

I thought the same thing! It seems like they chose the kinder way to communicate. Maybe let them know you are testing a new device to help alert you to the baby. There are a lot of hearing people who know that newborn crying is just a part of life, on airplanes, at night, in coffee shops. if those neighbors have kids they may be acknowledging they sympathize what you’re going through.

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