Give Your Parents a Break

I leave for Savannah in three short days. Three days people. This is insane to me, I’m partially ecstatic and partially panicky. I’m sure my poor parents are going through a range of irrational emotions as well. But, this entire post is pointed at teenagers, those going to college this fall and those still at home. Parents, I’m trying to stand up for you right now.  So I’m partially expecting a slow clap from the Rents here (psst especially my parents. John & Dawn, mad respect for you two)

When you think of the word “teenager” I really hope the mental image of a little blonde thing in a miniskirt rolling her eyes rises to the forefront of your consciousness. This is the image that I at least get. The goal of this post is to hopefully inspire teenagers to give their parents a break, stop rolling your eyes for ten minutes and realize that they’re doing the best that they can.

So you see, I’m 19 years old. I’m still one of you, promise, and I’ve been standing in my kitchen countless times saying the line “What? Mom, seriously, I didn’t even say anything!” Most of you know that means that you had a less than satisfying response to mom, personally my automatic response is to start laughing but that’s solely because I think my mother is hysterical. Mostly when she’s not trying to be humorous, which is what gets me into trouble. Now laughing may not be what gets you into trouble, it may be an eye roll or back talking or what have you but we all know there’s something. I’m not here to tackle teenage rebellion, that’s not particularly my cup of tea nor do I understand why it happens in the least. I’m here to tackle the idea of giving your parents a little more slack as you go through these times of transition.

When your parents want to take a picture of you on your first day of senior year, let them. When they want to video tape you unpacking in your dorm, let them. When they want to meet all your friends, let them. Do you realize that these weird and awkward adults have dedicated their lives to making sure you are fed and at least halfway stable? Of course no parent is perfect, but lets stop pretending and just put it out there that no child is perfect. They are doing the best they can because they care. Repeat that to yourself when your mom calls you to ask if you brushed your teeth or your dad threatens whichever guy is in your life this week.

The transition from high school to college, sure, it’s difficult for the student. All new people, new environment , first time experiences, the whole shebang. But how many of you have thought about how hard this is on your parents? Taking care of you is a full time job, and as you move out and make your own life they’re losing their job. That’s terrifying for them. Some days it might be frustrating. Now, some parents have such a strange way of dealing with this transition. The two primary reactions are going to be either 1) holding on to you so tight you may or may not suffocate or 2) deciding you’re leaving home soon so lets just treat you like an adult all the sudden. Both of these are difficult. With the first scenario, insanity is almost inevitable. You’ll feel coddled and likely like you want to run for the hills, in their attempt to make you a child again you will lose your ever loving mind. In the second scenario, you will probably panic. For goodness sake you aren’t ready to face the world, yesterday mom put your Poptart in the toaster for you and all the sudden you’re supposed to act like an adult. Of course, there are other reactions but these are the ones I’ve observed. Sadly, there’s nothing you can do about it.

What a fun reality, am I right or am I right? I’m just begging to let your parents love on you. Go give them a hug before bed, help make dinner, say ‘love you!’ as you walk out the door. Right now you may be frustrated with them, but you’ll miss them once you move into your new life.

To the parents: let your kids be under the delusion that they are independent adults but just keep up the good work. We’ll realize how hard your job is eventually and we’ll respect it. Promise.

I will update everyone as going to college gets more and more hectic, because I’m so sure that it will.