Parenting teens is always an adventure. From unexplained mood swings to their inability to bring dirty dishes out of their bedrooms, parents of teenagers truly never know what’s coming next. But two funny parents on TikTok are going viral for their portrayal of one aspect of teen parenting that’s all too accurate. 

Justin and Ashley Stroh (@thestrohfamily) recently shared a clip that’s been viewed more than five million times on TikTok. Captioned “POV: How teenagers act when they are trying to build up the courage to ask for something,” the funny video starts with Ashley drinking coffee in the kitchen while Justin, playing the teen, comes through the room stretching and saying, “I’m so bored.”

Later, Ashley works in the garden while her “teen” stops by to compliment her hairstyle. Then, there are clips of Justin flopping around on the bed while Ashley’s watching TV and rooting around her bedroom while mumbling about things he “wishes” he could do. There are plenty of sighs and lots of hovering, all of which are definite signs that a teen wants something but isn’t sure how to ask.

“The pacing, the hovering, the random small talk,” the Strohs wrote in their post, “us [sic] parents already know what’s coming.”

Parents who follow the funny couple can definitely relate.”I know that if my 15 year old voluntarily comes to sit by me and then cautiously utters ‘so…’” said one, “that he wants to hang out with friends and needs a ride.”

“I just look at them and tell them to ‘ask me when all the chores are done and it’ll probably be a yes,’” said another.

Teens who follow the Stroh family also hopped into the comment section with some pretty funny comments. “No guys,” said one, “they’re becoming aware.” Another said, “I text my mom so I don’t have to awkwardly ask her.” 

Still, some parents and teens also offered gentle reminders that often, when kids act this way, it’s because they’re reading mom and dad’s moods and seeing if they’re in the clear to make a request. “Yeah, and who set that system up?” one teen said. “We shouldn’t have to monitor y’alls mood just to ask questions,”

“Studies show that if a teenager does this it’s because of a few narrowed reasons, either, your kid is afraid of you, feels judged or repressed, or they’re socially awkward,” said one adult follower. “Check in with your teens. Teens of this generation are prone to more mental issues which could lead to stronger issues.”

While the Strohs’ video is pretty funny to watch, these types of comments are a good reminder to go easy on your teens, especially as they’re headed back to the classroom and adjusting to a brand new school year.