Ever find yourself in a position where you are left completely speechless by a verbal response from a teenager? I am not talking about a vulgar or obscene response. I mean a response that left you wondering, “what in the world did they just say?”
I have been. Several times. So many times that I thought I would provide a list of my “interpretation” of the head-scratching teen responses.
“I Know”: 1 You don’t have to say that again. 2 You are right, but I don’t need you to point that out. [One of my favorites. I wrote a whole blog about it.]
“My Bad”: 1 I intentionally made that mistake but I will appease you by pretending to take responsibility for my lapse in judgement. 2 I’m sorry, but… not really.
“FAther”: 1 I am showing respect, in a sarcastic sort of way. 2 You seriously embarrass me.
“Blah, Blah, Blah”: 1 I’m done listening. 2 You should stop talking.
“Seriously”: 1 You are an idiot. 2 Act your age. [Heard when a parent completely irks the teen by actions. Can sometimes be combined with “FAther”. ]
“Really”: 1 Was I supposed to know that was wrong? 2 I’ve heard you say that before, I think.
“Any Hoo”: 1 I’m an idiot. 2 I’m going to change the topic. [Another favorite that always seems to be offered at the precise moment the parent is presenting a critical teaching point.]
“I don’t know”: 1 I really do know the answer, but you’re not going to like it. 2 I have a lack of judgement. [This interpretation follow a “why did you do that?” type of question.]
Sometimes good communication with teens starts with a clear interpretation of what they are REALLY saying. In full disclosure, most of these expressions were collected from teenagers including, but not limited to, my own teens.
If you have others, I would love to hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
- What is your plan -
