The following is
based on a real discussion with my—then—fifteen-year-old son, who didn’t
believe in the rules his parents—or anyone ‘official’—were trying to enforce.
All he wanted
was his ‘freedom’!
It turned out to
be an interesting discussion.
And even more
pertinent in 2020 than it was in 1995!
“Freedom’s what I want!” he said. “And what I really
need!
“No one to tell me what to do, and none to intercede.
“Just let me live my life,” he said. “And I’ll let you
live yours.
“I won’t be forced to follow rules or do things I
abhor!”
“That’s ‘freedom’ in your point of view? Life’s just a
big buffet?
“Just take the things you want?” I said. “And never
have to pay?”
He puffed his fifteen-year-old chest and struck an ‘adult’
pose,
“One day you’ll see I’m right. Obeying rules really
blows!”
“To do away with rules and laws? Well that sounds really
swell!
“But remember while you’re doing this, th’other guy is
as well!
“So guard your ‘stuff’ with all your might, and guard
yourself as well,
“Cause just like you, your neighbour’s free to steal
or raise some hell.”
“I know there’s lots of things you want to do when you’re
fifteen,
“And rules might sound restrictive, dull, and, let’s
just face it, mean,
“They hold you down and really seem as bonds that tie
and chafe
“But let me tell you, Son,” I said. “These rules will
keep you safe!”
Once a month, our Karen challenges each of us to rhyme,
I'm still having this conversation with my older son today (about laws). It's difficult in the current climate in our country because the conversation is about not just the rules but how to change them and what to do to be sure that those in charge of our complicity are held to them as well.
ReplyDeleteLet him know all he has to do is talk to someone who has been robbed and he may see why the rule of law is important.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is just as important for those in charge to remember that it is the law that puts them in charge, so they answer to it as well.
It has always been and will always be that wanting independence comes to all young people. It is natural. The good thing is when they finally do leave (sigh/hurray), they often want to return.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish that the myriad of fifteen year olds (despite their chronological age) could learn this lesson.
ReplyDeleteRules are there for a reason, a good reason, which most children come to appreciate once they have children of their own.
ReplyDeleteExcellent reminders and lessons here! (I love love love your turns of phrase, for the record.)
ReplyDelete