I remember being a kid and often hearing the words “well, you’re not old enough to do that yet.” They were dreaded words that put me in my place very quickly.
And when you’re five, eight, 12 and even 17, you just can’t wait until you don’t hear that anymore.
Because when you don’t hear that anymore, you know you’ve reached the age where you finally get out on your own, able to make all the decisions for yourself—and oh what a glorious thing all that anticipation has told you it will be!
But a strange thing also happens right around that same time because suddenly, you realize that it never
crossed your mind…
• That staying up half the night playing video games or texting makes it very difficult to get up the next morning and get to college classes or work on time.
• That there is nobody you can call to bring you what you forgot when you get to class or work.
• That you have to make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle to get where you need to go…and get back.

• That you have enough money to pay your rent, utilities and cell phone bill by the due date.
• That you have to pay the shop to get the flat tire fixed.
• That you have to buy all those “extras” like tissues
and dish soap and laundry detergent.
• That those prices on the menu at the place you like to
eat really add up quick when you’re paying the bill.
• That a $75 pair of jeans don’t really feel a whole lot different than a pair you can buy for $25 and most people really don’t care which ones you choose.
• That you can’t buy everything you want when you want it; “prioritize” is a real word.
• That having money set aside “just in case” is truly a good idea.
• That your parents actually did know what they were talking about on…well, just about any subject! (This one isn’t as immediate—just repetitive as you age.)
We’re at that time of year when we send another class of young people out to learn what life’s really about. And it would be great if we could somehow get across to them that “being your own boss” isn’t necessarily the fun it appeared to be when we were kids. But I guess it just really doesn’t work that way, because an awful lot of the time, we have to experience something before the full weight of the lesson sinks in.
Kids may not realize it, but it’s a tough time of year for parents too—mostly because we know what’s coming and they don’t.
But if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that no matter how much worrying we do on their behalf, they figure it out, just like we did when our parents turned us loose on society. It’s hard to give up that parental control but we have to trust and believe we did all we could do to prepare them and then…step back. Sometimes we sell our kids short and I’m not sure if that’s because we don’t believe in them or if it’s that we don’t believe in our own abilities to teach. Maybe it’s a bit of both.
I congratulate the Class of 2025 and wish you every success in your future. It’s your turn to make the decisions…and you’re finally old enough to do it!