As children, we are annoyed at our parents’ ridiculous worries and fears:
We didn’t understand why we need to be home by 10pm. “What’s the point? You’re asleep anyway!”
We didn’t understand why we had to wear a jacket or stay out of the rain. We barely got sick from the cold or rain.
We didn’t understand why they got mad when we stayed on the phone with our boyfriend/girlfriend until 4am. “So what if I see them at school tomorrow. This is my time and I’ll do what I want with it.”
Now I’m a parent, but still their child and I work for a newspaper.
I read about the things that happen after 11pm and realize, “Oh, hence the curfew.”
I’m also older. I get sick when I’m out in the cold or during the rain.
I’m a parent of newborn babies. I fantasize about sleeping 8 hours.
Now I’m them.
And suddenly, those worries and fears are not ridiculous anymore…