As parents, we eventually have to take a good look at the teenagers we’ve nurtured with love and care. At some point, we need to smile and say, “Cut the nonsense.” These three words not only guide our kids toward becoming better adults but also contribute to a more harmonious world.
Reflecting on my own upbringing, I realize my parents never spoke to me or my siblings this way. Thankfully, at 18, I met a wonderful guy named Jake, and after a couple of dates and countless phone calls, he delivered a truth many might hold back. During one of our dinners, I was on a roll, critiquing something he did—maybe it was his choice of a political candidate. He looked me in the eye and said, “Cut the nonsense.”
And you know what? I did. We’ve been together for nearly 27 years now, and that phrase helped me evolve into a kinder and more empathetic person. I stopped assuming I was always right and began appreciating different perspectives. I learned to listen and even hold the door open for others behind me.
Life is about those little moments that add up. Before long, we find ourselves either being reasonable or, let’s face it, acting like jerks. My journey to becoming “reasonable” was gradual. Jake had to remind me about cutting the nonsense a few more times, but eventually, I decided to move beyond the self-centered girl I once was.
In contrast, my siblings never encountered anyone who urged them to cut it out. Consequently, my sister still insists that family vacations should cater to her whims—opera performances included, no bathroom breaks allowed! My brother, however, married someone who simply smiles and nods, so he still believes it’s acceptable to demand a ridiculously expensive birthday cake (because, apparently, those fancy treats have no preservatives). Seriously, it’s just cake!
As both former teenagers and current parents of teens, we recognize that this is the stage when unreasonable behavior often peaks. Between ages 14 and 18, those once-adorable kids can start thinking the world revolves around them. If we let them, that belief can stick around for a long time.
I almost missed the transition. My boys went to bed with hugs and kisses and woke up sporting scowls and a few pimples, convinced they were the center of the universe. They needed a little nudge to snap out of it, so I told them to cut the nonsense.
It’s a challenging task, but remember the toddler years when we were tempted to park them in front of cartoons all day? Fellow parents, we’ve got this! Here are just a few classic teenage statements from my house that required a gentle yet firm reality check:
- “I’m an adult now!”
- “I’m not discussing this.”
- “Whatever.”
- “Bobby’s dad said it was okay.”
- “Doesn’t everyone enjoy their wine?”
- “The game has only three minutes left; I’ll eat later.”
- “Just shake the cereal boxes to see if there’s any left.”
- “Who planned Aunt Martha’s funeral during playoffs?”
- “I wasn’t trash-talking, Dad; I was just being honest.”
- “Can you drive back to school to get my gray folder? Or would you prefer I fail?”
- “While you’re up, can you grab me the ketchup, a napkin, some fries, and the remote?”
- “I’d like to finish before you start lecturing me.”
Let’s tackle this together, fellow parents. We can’t blame anyone else if our kids turn out to be self-centered adults. It’s time to stand tall and say, with love and humor, “Cut the nonsense.” We’ll feel great about it, and so will the world around us.
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Summary
Teaching our teenagers to cut the nonsense is essential for their growth and the well-being of society. By encouraging them to be more considerate and aware of others, we help them evolve into kind adults.