This is How Excited Your Parents Got

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3Sfn4Yd5U

First You Rolled Over

I don't care if you're the middle child, when you were about to do anything cool as a baby your parents were cheering. The first time you squeezed a finger, picked your head up, giggled, realized you had hands, farted, crawled, walked, your parents freaked. When Graciana first made eye contact with me, I cried. When she first rolled over, Amanda cried. And your parents were the same. You amazed your parents.

Then You Rolled Your Eyes

You got slick. Your butt was too mature for whoopin'. You're parents said, You should take out the garbage without me having to tell you. And you responded with the classic nonverbal "whatever"

— the eye roll. You disrespected your parents.

Then You Rolled the Car

You made a big mistake. You got caught drinking, swearing, smoking, lying, stealing, lusting, snorting, fighting, speeding, sneaking out, skipping class, car surfing, garage hopping, all the above. For me, it was when I came home at 3a in handcuffs. You disappointed your parents.

Then You Rolled Away

You turned 18 and went to college. Or you just moved out. Gone. One day you were about to roll over now you're rolling away. Your parents were cheering now they're weeping. You left your parents.

Conclusion

I know your parents are difficult. So are you. You're a grown-up now. Now grow your relationship with your folks.

Practical Next Steps

1. If you're feeling aggressive

2. Call your parents now

3. Tell them you love them

4. Share the highlight of your day

5. Invite them to dinner

6. At the end of dinner, schedule the next dinner

7. If you're not feeling aggressive

8. Text your parents now

9. Tell them you love them

10. Share the highlight of your day

11. Do it again next week

Practice What I Preach

• Dad

• 1) I just called my dad

• 2) I told him I love him

• 3) I shared the highlight of my day was tickling Graciana

• 4) I invited him to dinner

• We're meeting tonight @ my place 8p

• Mom

• 1) I just called my mom

• 2) I told her I love her

• 3) I shared the highlight of my day was tickling Graciana

• 4) I invited her to dinner

• We're meeting tomorrow @ Barrio 7:30p

#FamilyWednesday