I'm getting a teenager...what to stockpile?

[fluttervale]

It's a long story, but to make it short, I'm getting a 16 year old boy in 6-8 weeks, and he'll be staying at least 4 months. He's my BFF's kid and I've known him since he was 7.

I'm 30, no kids, lots of pets. Is there anything special that I should consider stockpiling before he gets here? I've already started with things like snacks and cereal. I threw out all my male "personal hygiene" coupons, except razors 'cause I don't care if they're blue or pink, because I didn't have a use for them. I already stockpile things like paper towels and toilet paper but am going to up the stockpile limits. I get cheap laundry detergent at Costco and won't need more for years, even with the kid.

So, any suggestions? Anything I'm not considering?

[Mama Stu]

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD, and oh did I mention FOOD???

[momof2inohio]

Lots of food especially snacks. Teenage boys eat a ton!!! I would also get a few bottles of shampoo and body wash for men. My DS likes Axe. Deodorant is another item to have on hand. Also hair gel if he uses it.

[PrestS]

Well, I'd save axe Q's (teens love it), shaving cream...Unless you know him really well...I'd wait until he gets there and kinda sale shop here and there. Teens are picky and a pain to please...LOL I know I was one...21 now! I would save gift cards and if you buy kelloggs save the upcs...check out rebates for the $10 gas card. He's not going to want to sit at home and do nothing and that's free gas. Maybe he's into skateboarding...cheap place to take him public skateboarding park. If you need any more advice just let me know. My husband is 26 and sometimes he's as picky as a teen. I will try to offer as much as possible! OH AND i think guys really like chef boyardee, my husband eats it cold and out of the can :P (Then again I don't eat meat or seafood, sooo ya know whatever you like, i still love him!)

[fluttervale]

Mama Stu: I do think that your signature is what's been running through his mother's mind for the last 2 or so years. I think he's headed back in a positive direction. (If I didn't, I wouldn't take him in.)

[Jen1]

great ideas! Good luck with the teenager! Try to get some sleep before he arrives! so you can sleep with one eye open when he gets there j/k

[Mama Stu]

Mama Stu: I do think that your signature is what's been running through his mother's mind for the last 2 or so years. I think he's headed back in a positive direction. (If I didn't, I wouldn't take him in.)

I have been saying the last few days that there is a reason they call it child abuse and not teen abuse, because I am pretty sure it's not illegal to beat a teen, or if it is , it shouldn't be

It's also why Bible Scholars have determined that Issac was under 12 or over 20 when his father took him up on the mountain to sacrifice him, because otherwise it would have been no sacrifice.

Seriously though, I have always enjoyed the teens. They just want to be loved, listened to, and no matter how miserable they are making us, they are even more miserable themselves.

[fluttervale]

No, he can't have Axe. He overdoses on it and I can't stand it. (I say that jokingly. He can have whatever he wants as long as it won't kill him or me.)

How much do they go through in a week? Like, how much cereal, peanut butter, heck even spaghetti and other things that can be cooked properly instead of instants? Is he likely to need snack packs of things like chips or cookies for his lunches? I know he goes through lunch meat like it's free...I have a breadmaker so I'm OK on the bread front. Do I need a box freezer?

If you can't tell, it's an unexpected but absolutely welcome change to my lifestyle. I'm both excited and terrified at the same time. One great thing is that I've known him since he was a kid, and I know certain things that he loves (like pickles) and that he's not the "picky one" in the family (his brother won't eat something if you even suggest that mushrooms might've touched it). It's a lot easier, I imagine, than getting an exchange student or foster kid.

[fluttervale]

Mama Stu: I just want him to be happy, and I want to help make sure that the dumb stuff he's done as a teenager doesn't affect his life once he's 18. That's what he wants, too, and I think it'll be good for him to live here.

[kwhile0599]

What a beautiful heart you have fluttervale!!

I would prolly stock up on sodas, pizza rolls, pizza bagels - pretty much anything with the word pizza in the title!! And any other microwable snacks that he can nuke himself!