Parents, please?

Question

Why do parents have such a pain-in-the-*** tendency to say things like "You have no idea" or "You'll understand when you're older"? It seems like they think we're total morons. Why do they do it so much?

but why can't they understand that i DO get it and i'm not as dumb as they like to think i am?

and why do they always assme the worst? like if you say this kid in your project group never shows up when the group is supposed to be working together, they say "well maybe his parents abuse him" or "maybe they cant afford a car?"

Answer 1

I can relate to that, I did the same thing to my own kids. As for me, I want to make sure my children get the right messages. It does not mean that I underestimate their intelligence, maybe I am overprotecting because I didn't want my kids to suffer the consequences due to poor choices. In your eyes, it might seem you're treated as if your moron. But I tell you, in the eyes of the parents, our children are the priceless treasure we ever have on earth. and if the child suffers, the parent suffers as well. If the child gets hurts, the parents gets miserable. That is how we love our child. Consider this, you are the apple of your parents' eye, aren't you glad you have your parents by your side all the time who truly truly loves you and cares a lot for you.

Answer 2

Parents say this because they actually understand that you are not ready for the realities of the world. They are trying to protect you and allow you to have a good childhood.

It is true, you will understand when you get older. Right now you are a rebellious child who wants something (to be treated like an adult). When you have children of your own you will realize that your parents were correct in trying to protect you.

A lot of teenagers are trying things that they should not be doing. Teenagers don't understand how their actions today can effect their future. A 15 year old who has unprotected sex once can end up pregnant and change her entire life. Many teenagers think they are ready for sex, but do not take the responsibility to make sure they are protected from both pregnancy and disease.

Teenagers think they should be able to drink alcohol like adults. The problem is they don't drink responsibly and end up having accidents. That is why teens will never be able to convince the government to change the drinking age to 18 instead of 21.

Today's teens just don't accept the responsibilities that come with the adult actions they want to take. That is what your parents mean by "you'll understand when you get older."

Answer 3

Have you ever heard this?
Quick teenagers move out and get a job while your parents are stupid, do it while you still know everything!
Tell you anything?
We've been there done that, and when we were there we thought we had been there done that and knew it all. But we didn't and since we had grown up, we realized that.
There is no way on Gods green earth you or my kids are going to convince me that you know better without experience and wisdom that comes from LIFE EXPERIENCE. To put it simply, you kids are not as smart as you think, and we aren't as stupid as you think.
There are a lot of thing you have to experience to understand right down to when they say to go to bed, doing homework, having sex, and getting a job. I didn't understand so much when I was young, but now....it's all too plain to see
They don't think you are a moron, they just know, there is still so much you don't know. Remember that old saying..."boy if I knew then what I know now."
Think about it.

Answer 4

We're usually trying to save you the agony, pain and heartache of what you are about to do because we have been there, we can see past it, and we know it will not be good for you.

Honestly, that is really why. And we want the best for you. We don't think you're stupid. We remember being your age and making bad choices and getting to the point where we are now and realizing that our parents only had our best interests at heart too, and wanting that for you. Lighten up, we really do know what we're talking about, and you will understand when you're older. Come back here when you have kids and tell me I'm right!

Answer 5

I as a parent tell my kids they will understand when they are older because I don't have all the answers I just know they will ask. Right now they think I am the smartest person in the world, and maybe it's an ego thing, but I like that. Letting them know that I'm just as stumped as they are would break their hearts. I couldn't do that to them.

Answer 6

You're funny! My wife and I were just talking to her parents and saying "Oh yea, now we get it! Were we that big a pain in the *** when we were young?" To which my Father in law said "Of course you were! Reminded me of me when I was young."

I'm not sure if your parents are saying that you don't understand the situation, or, like my in laws (wise old people), are saying that you don't understand how much we worry about you.

I can tell you now that, because I'm a parent, because I went through just exactly what you are, and because its probably a law written somewhere that says I can,

you have no idea, but trust me, you will understand when you're older.

They don't think you're a moron, they think you are the most important thing in their lives and they'd do anything to protect you, even risk pissing you off.

Answer 7

Because you have no idea and you'll understand when you're older. Just the fact that you're asking the questions shows you have no idea. Just hang in there and do what your parents tell you to do. You'll be a parent someday and the light bulb will come on. You'll have the same arguments with your children. That's just one of the great circles of life.

Answer 8

What I have found as a parent is that we try very hard to prevent any pain or hard times in our children's lives. This is why we say "you have no idea" a lot of times. We are trying to let you know that we have "been there and done that". We do not think you are morons. We just try to lead you down a different road that you are heading down. I must say also that as a parent, it is good sometimes to just let your children make the mistake. It seems to be a learning lesson for them and it is bitter sweet when they come to you and say "I should have listened to you". Just wanted to let you know that your parents love you so very much and they just want to save you as much of the harsh part of live that may come.

Answer 9

The reason that parents say things like that is because even though your not dumb and you might understand the situation for the most part as you get older you begin to see things differently and a lot of times you will understand it better when you get older.
It's a pain int the******** but most of the time they are right.

Answer 10

Parents only want the best for you. They do not want you to learn the hard way, if they can afford. Parents have gone through much of the same situations, so they have an insight that smart children can benefit from. Try to imagine yourself as a parent and think how you are going to deal with your kids - honestly.