by someone who should’ve known better but needed the reminder anyway
Let me just say up front—I adore the young people in my life. They’re creative, bold, unfiltered, and sometimes wildly entertaining. But recently, I made the questionable decision to listen to the advice of a teenager with whom I share a familial bond. And not just listen—I actually tried applying some of it.
Spoiler alert: I do not recommend this.
Now, before you go accusing me of being a fuddy-duddy who just doesn’t get “kids these days,” let me be clear: this comes not from a place of judgment, but of love, reflection, and, yes, a little self-deprecating humor.
Let me walk you through some of the pearls of wisdom that were offered to me. Ready?
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- “I think you should not care so much what other people think of you.”
This one sounds almost enlightened, right? Straight out of a self-help book! But let’s remember the context: this was said while wearing pajamas to a restaurant that did, in fact, have a dress code.
Adult response:
You’re right—what other people think shouldn’t control us. But how others perceive us can sometimes influence our opportunities, relationships, and reputation. Balance is key. Sometimes, caring a little is wise.
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- “You should do whatever you want. Who cares what other people think?”
I tried this once—ate cold pizza in bed, ignored my to-do list, and binge-watched documentaries all day. The guilt and heartburn that followed? Not worth it.
Adult response:
Freedom is a beautiful thing. But real maturity is knowing that sometimes we don’t do what we want—we do what’s right. That’s how we build trust, success, and peace.
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- “You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.”
Oh, the sweet siren song of resistance. Dishes in the sink? Ignore them. Bills? Meh. Exercising? Never again.
Adult response:
You can skip responsibilities, sure. But eventually, they come knocking—usually with late fees, health problems, or a very cranky roommate. Responsibility isn’t the enemy—it’s how we build a life worth living.
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- “Want to change your life? Call 9-1-1.”
While I appreciate the drama and directness here, let me clarify: don’t do this. Unless your life is on fire (literally or figuratively), please do not involve emergency services in your existential crises.
Adult response:
There are real ways to change your life—but they start with small, courageous decisions, not prank calls. Deep breaths, a support system, and maybe a good therapist are better places to start.
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- “If someone disrespects you, ditch ‘em for someone else. Who cares?”
This was offered in response to a mildly disappointing text from a friend who forgot to reply right away.
Adult response:
Boundaries are important, yes. But so are grace, communication, and remembering that everyone has bad days. Not everyone who forgets you is out to hurt you. Relationships are built, not bought from a vending machine.
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- “You can’t threaten me with jail. That’s like a slumber party with my friends.”
I… have no words. Other than to gently recommend a career in stand-up comedy for this one.
Adult response:
Teenagers often don’t grasp the real consequences of their actions because their brains are still developing (particularly the part called the prefrontal cortex—responsible for planning and judgment). Jail is not a slumber party. And most of your friends won’t actually have your back if you’re locked up. Think twice.
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- “My friends can’t tell me what to do, but I can tell them what to do.”
A nugget of future leadership potential… or the early warning sign of a control issue? Hard to say.
Adult response:
Respect is a two-way street. Healthy friendships are about mutual consideration—not control. It’s great to be a leader, but great leaders listen, too.
So, Why Do Teens Think Like This?
Because they’re supposed to. Teens are wired for rebellion, independence, and testing boundaries. They’re still forming their identity, figuring out what’s safe, what’s fun, and what they can get away with. Many have grown up in a world that tells them they can be anything, do anything, and that they are the main character in life’s movie.
And you know what? We were exactly the same way. Remember?
We knew everything. We rolled our eyes at adults. We scoffed at rules. We thought being misunderstood was the worst injustice imaginable.
So, instead of judging them, maybe just smile. Listen. Nod. And then, gently—but firmly—don’t take their advice. Love them anyway. Be the lighthouse, not the helicopter. Model balance, not burnout. Let them see what healthy adulthood looks like.
Caution:
Take a teenager’s advice with the same seriousness you’d give a fortune cookie, a bumper sticker, or a goat with a microphone. Charming, sometimes insightful, but generally best not acted upon without adult supervision.
They’ll grow. You’ll smile. And hopefully, when they become adults, they’ll laugh remembering what they once told you.
And maybe—just maybe—they’ll ignore the advice of their teenagers, too.
And to the teenager who inspired this—thank you. You make life more colorful, even if I’m not taking your advice anymore.