It's an Hour of Your Life...Be Cool

I have had many discussions with my kids over the years about attending events they weren't thrilled about. Sibling's concerts, games, or awards ceremonies, they were along for the ride. We would get the groan or slow shuffle of feet as we leave the house. Why do I have to go? It's so boring, they would whine. When they were little, the reasons were pretty straightforward. Mom and Dad are going, so you go where we go. The option of staying home wasn't up for discussion. As they have gotten older, we get more pushback when they want to stay home.

Depending on the event, there are times I let them skip. I get it. They don't want to go to every game. They may have their own homework or activity that takes up their time. It allows us as parents more time to enjoy the event if we don't have to listen to whining and sighs of boredom. Also, we've learned to gauge what activities mean the most to our kids to have people show up for them. There are times they are oblivious to who is in attendance, and other times they may ask repeatedly, "Who's coming?"

This week, we had a lot of back and forth with my 16-year-old son about attending an event. He had all his reasons for not wanting to go. Some were valid. I understood his reasons for not going, but it was not about him or his feelings. I knew his presence would be appreciated by those hosting the event and peers attending. It was an excellent opportunity for a meaningful life lesson. Sometimes, you do things you don't want to because it is right for someone else. It's not always about us. It's an hour of your life...be cool.

Be cool.

He begrudgingly attended. As expected, his absence would have been noticed, as the hosts and his friends were relieved to have him in attendance. I gave him a pat on the back and thanked him for his cooperation, which was promptly met with "yeah, yeah, mom" and an eye roll. That might translate to an agreement it was correct to attend, but he'll never admit it. I'll take it and count it as a parenting win.