When you hear a mother lament that her son was giving her palpitations with his sass and rebellious behaviour you would tend to say, "Good, boys should be naughty", not "I wish mine were", as the latter would be any mother who happens to have a son who was slow, disabled or born with some defect that sets him apart from a normal child.
All mothers wish their children to be 'normal' with attendant problems of growing years, yet happy and safe, kind, honest and "fortunate to be with friends who will not guide him towards undesirable paths. A bonus would be if he could aspire to do some good for mankind, save many animals and be aware that there is a higher power that he has to be grateful to for his existence.
Here are typical replies from three teenagers when asked what their relationship was with their mothers...
"Currently, my mother is angry with me over God knows what. But, that's alright. She is growing older and a little grumpier too. Time with her is too precious for me to pick a fight. I'd rather just take her out to dinner when Mother's Day comes around."
"May all teenagers rebel. I know this sounds bad, but rebellion is a necessary evil! My experience: I now openly hold my mom's hand in public, although, as a way-too-cool teen, I'd never even want to stand next to her. If you haven't been a bad egg, children, you'll never be an appreciative adult. So I've reformed. I call this compensation. My mom calls it love.
"Many think it's a divine right to be spoilt by moms because we popped from their wombs. We complain when dinner is plain or laundry is not washed in time, but I have regretful friends who lost their moms to illness and observe the spirit month with lots of offerings. Why wait to show your appreciation? Everyday is Mother's Day with a simple hug or phone call. Start now."
Finally, to borrow a quote from Mark Twain: "My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it"