A parent's guide to teen slang

How to understand what, exactly, your kid is saying

A teenager.
(Image credit: Illustrated | MangoStar_Studio/iStock)

Even before you bring a baby into the world, people start warning you about all the hard phases of parenting: There's the newborn phase, when sleep is hard to come by; the "terrible twos," when toddlers start to find their voice and push every button you have; and of course, the hardest phase of all: the teen years.

Teens are notoriously moody, argumentative, and closed off. They also do a great job of making parents feel old, as you slowly start to realize you have no idea what your son or daughter is talking about. They have their own slang, acronyms, inside jokes, and codes that make it seem like they're speaking an entirely different language. And while you want to respect your teenager's privacy, there are times when it's important to know how to translate, especially if you suspect your child is in danger.

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Devan McGuinness

Devan McGuinness is a parenting writer and as a recipient of several awards through her work with UnspokenGrief.com, she puts a large focus on helping others through the hardest and best times in parenthood. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and four children.