24 Jul 2019

Hey Mum and Dad. It’s that time of year again.

You know it, I know it, every student knows it. Yep, it’s exam season. And there’s a few things I need to get off my chest.

Stop guilting me into studying when I want to take a day off to recharge my batteries. I don’t want to be chained to my desk 24/7, slamming my head when I can’t figure out the value of x or how mangrove ecosystems work.

I’m trying my darn hardest to study and I’m getting through it- at my own pace. I don’t need you micro-managing me, it’s just making me more stressed.

Stop comparing me to other kids- especially my siblings. The way you speak so highly of other parent’s kids and my brothers and sisters isn’t motivating. It’s actually degrading.

I may not be as book smart as them, but I excel in other areas that you just neglect. You should reassure me that success isn’t measured by a mark, a rank or against someone else’s success.  

Stop using scare tactics against me. Don’t make me fear failure more than I already do.

Failure is a normal part of life. Great success incorporates great failure. And failure is an event that provides us with choices; it is not who we are.

 

Look, I know you don’t mean to do all these things- you’re just doing what you think is best for me. It’s what you’ve always done as a parent and I’m so grateful. And I know I need to cut you some slack during exam period too.

So, I just wanna apologise for a few things before shit hits the fan because I owe it to ya.

I’m sorry for snapping at you when you ask me to clean the dishes or take the rubbish out. I know it’s my job and it only takes 2 mins tops but I’m always on alert with the amount of stress I’m dealing with right now.

I’m sorry for leaving my room an absolute pigsty. I promise I’ll bring the cups, plates and other hidden goodies downstairs. Eventually. Maybe just steer clear from my room and always leave the door shut. It’s for the best.

But most importantly, I’m sorry for complaining so much about how much shit I have on my plate. I know you have it rough too- especially with raising me. I know I can be a handful. But let’s respect our indifferences for the time being and try to understand one another rather than pursuing a screaming match every time something goes wrong.

I love you guys. Even if I find you sometimes annoying. I promise this is only temporary, so please, bear with me. I’m a work-in-progress. A stressed, messy work-in-progress. I just need you to understand that.