Does anyone really know what time it is? Does anyone truly care? Those timeless questions posed by the band Chicago resonate with many, but one group that certainly cares is us—parents! We’re constantly keeping track of when to pick up the kids, when dinner is served, and when those pesky sports permission slips are due. These are the schedules that shape our lives.
However, teenagers have their own unique approach to measuring time. For starters, many teens today don’t even wear watches, unless they’re high-tech smartwatches. The traditional clock with hands and numbers? It seems almost archaic to them. Luckily, their devices display time in easy-to-read digital formats, but even with that convenience, their concept of punctuality is… well, let’s just say it’s quite different.
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Request: Can you please clean your room?
Your teen responds: Soon.
True timetable: When they can’t open the door without a laundry avalanche. -
Request: Time to start studying for that big test!
Your teen responds: Sure thing.
True timetable: The day of the test, while crammed on the bus. -
Request: Can you look up from your cell phone for a second?
Your teen responds: In a minute.
True timetable: Five hours later, right before bed. -
Request: Take the dog outside, please.
Your teen responds: Fine.
True timetable: After the dog leaves a surprise on the living room floor. -
Request: Don’t forget to send thank-you notes for those birthday gifts.
Your teen responds: Later.
True timetable: Just before the next birthday celebration rolls around. -
Request: Please close the window, the air conditioner is running!
Your teen responds: Yep.
True timetable: Next winter, when it’s freezing outside. -
Request: Join us for family game night!
Your teen responds: Mmmhmm.
True timetable: When all their friends are on vacation. -
Request: It’s time to stop playing that video game.
Your teen responds: Yeah, sure.
True timetable: When you finally pull the plug on the TV. -
Request: Can you come out of your room?
Your teen responds: Silence, they’re lost in their earbuds.
True timetable: Three hours later, just in time for dinner. -
Request: Please put your dishes in the dishwasher.
Your teen responds: Absolutely.
True timetable: Not in this lifetime.
And the ultimate challenge:
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Request: Can I get a hug before you head out?
Your teen responds: Ewww!
True timetable: When you sneak up and catch them off-guard.
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In summary, understanding a teen’s sense of time is like trying to read a foreign language—it’s confusing, often delayed, and can be downright humorous. As parents, we learn to adapt and embrace the quirks that come with raising these unique individuals.