I am wondering how the next generation will survive. When I dropped off my kids at their High School this morning, I noticed that the temperature was 16 degrees. That's 16 degrees below the point where H20 turns from liquid to solid. There was also a pretty stiff wind, so who knows what the wind chill factor was. I was thinking about my outside dog and feeling a little worried.... (She is covered in thick fur and has an igloo house filled with warm bedding).
As I pulled up to the High School, what did I see? I saw kids in shorts with little short socks... kids in short-sleeved T-shirts with no coat... kids dressed as if it were the heat of Summer. In fact, as I pulled up to the drop off point, I only saw 2 kids with coats on... my 2 kids. Did I mention it was 16 degrees?
I think the schools might have brainwashed the kids a little too heavily on global warming (don't even get me started on that one). I found myself wondering, WHAT HAPPENS IF AN EARTHQUAKE OR SOMETHING TAKES OUT THE POWER AT THE SCHOOL AND THEY'RE IN LOCK DOWN? I guess then we'll have survival of the non-idiots... or should I say survival of the children of the non-idiots...
But that's the real problem here, in my opinion. Who are these kid's parents? More importantly, who decided that parents should stop parenting once kids reach the age of 13 (or younger)? Oh, sure, we've got to start picking our battles... we've got to let go where we can... but my goodness, we don't have to ask for permission to continue to be the parent of a teenager who is still learning to be an adult. They need us now more than ever! They still need our authority. They still need our rules. Often, they still need to be flat out told what to do.
As I watched countless kids walking into the school building holding themselves and shivering in response to the literal freezing of their flesh, the fact that they still need parents became clear to me once again.
Am I saying that I would MAKE my 15 year old or even my 17 year old wear a coat on a day like today? Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying. Who do I think I am? I am their Dad. They are teenagers and sometimes they still need a parent to help them overcome the brain-deadness that lapses in and out with that condition.
This goes out to all of you with kids who are getting closer and closer to their teenage years. Listen to me. Once you let go, you can't ever take hold again. Don't let go too soon. Don't stop being their parent before they are ready. They need you now more than ever! Teenagers may not always like it, but deep down they are desperate for Mom and Dad to be Mom and Dad. The day will come when the relationship needs to change, but friend trust me, that day doesn't come during High School.
Put a coat on that kid!!!
