Getting Them To Understand Is A Chore

(Back in high school I was on a college prep track, so I was very busy, but I made time to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. This is from a conversation with a fellow volunteer. We are on the topic of honoring our parents.)

Volunteer: “Do you help your mother around the house?”

Me: “I certainly try to, but I don’t get done with homework until late. By the time I can help out, there’s not much to do.”

Volunteer: “You should help your mom with more around the house. It’s important to do what your mom wants.”

Me: “I agree. That’s why I prioritize my homework. My mom wants me to go to college, and she understands that that means I’m too busy to help with chores. If I chose doing chores over my homework, I wouldn’t pass my classes, which would disrespect all the hard work she does.”

Volunteer: “You should surprise your mom by doing chores!”

(I gave up.)