Have my parents forgotten that they were young once? Apparently, they have.
—Anne Frank
We think they’re making excuses. We think they’re making stuff up. We just want them to go back and sleep in their bed. Or listen to their coach. Or get their work done. It’s fine, we tell them. Just give it a try. Wear your jacket; it’s not that uncomfortable. Do your homework; it’s not that difficult.
Do you remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird? Where Atticus talks about climbing into somebody’s skin and walking around in it? Well, have you actually done that? Not with someone you pity or someone you wish to be, but with someone you aspire to lead and teach and nourish? Someone like your own child? Your kid wakes up and comes into your room at night? Try sleeping in their bed. Maybe it really is scary in there. Watch hockey practice. Maybe the coach really is a jerk. How do you think that jacket feels to a kid? Maybe it really is way too hot in there. Did you like doing your homework when you were their age? See their perspective. Crawl inside it, walk around in it. Then take a step back and parent accordingly.