You Just Wait

*stepping onto my soapbox*

*tapping microphone*

Is this thing on?

*tap tap tap*

Test. 1. 2. 3.

Alright, y’all.

There is a group of words that really frustrate me as a parent.

It’s, “you just wait.”

I’ve seen his countless times on social media, overheard in a conversation, and unfortunately, I’ve also uttered those words.

They’re often said to a parent who is having a rough day and decides to vent.

“My kids made me late because they didn’t want to put on pants.”

“My oldest keeps showing me so much attitude. I’m just sick of it.”

“I feel like I can’t catch a break – we are so busy.”

Or really any other comment made by a tired, frustrated parent.

The friend, or eavesdropping adult responds, “you just wait.”

“You just wait until they can’t decide on what clothes to wear when you need to leave the house.”

What they hear: you don’t have anything to complain about – you don’t really know what it’s like to have children make you late for something.

“You just wait until your child is a teenager.”

What they hear: You don’t know real attitude, so you can’t complain until you have a teenager.

“You just wait until your children are older – then you will really be busy.”

What they hear: what you’re experiencing isn’t true busyness and shouldn’t complain that you’re tired.

Parents hear: you have no right to be frustrated, tired, busy, worn-out, or insert any other adjective.

Why?

Why do we respond with comments similar to those?

How does that serve the tired, frustrated parent who just wanted someone to hear them?

What do they actually need to hear or experience?

They need to feel heard.

They need you to say, “yeah, that sucks and I’m really sorry you feel ________.”

They need you to give them a hug – that is, if they’re a hugger.

I’m not exempt from this either – i’ve responded the same way on countless occasions too.

I challenge you the next time one of your friends takes a moment to confide and vent about their frustrations, you respond with a comment of encouragement and understanding.

*steps off soabox*