“I told you so,” a saying I guarantee you that your parents have probably used before, and they will probably mention it again. Do you assume that your parents are too controlling, too strict, or always wrong? In this blog we will be tackling that assumption and showing how it might be our perspective that has been off all along.

Assumptions

The assumption has always been that since we are “in charge” of our lives, then we know better, but let’s be honest: there are plenty of moments where our knowledge and understanding led us astray. I mean, we have all probably stolen sugar, burnt our hands on the stove, and made reckless choices all in the name of “I know best for me.” And as youths, by the time we reach our teenage years and puberty begins to kick in, that confidence often turns into defiance, convincing us that parental guidance is outdated or unnecessary.

Perspective

Our parents have taught us how to love each other; through the constant quarreling and finger-pointing of siblings, they continue to say that nothing else matters more than family and the love for each other. And through this, we have learned forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.

In times of completing tasks and getting results, their words of encouragement and emphasis on hard work have really paid off. You have probably heard from them that “hard work beats talent” and “nothing good comes for free.” And yes, even the occasional warning not to date until you’re more mature and responsible.

Their experience shows they’ve always known better. Yes, they are prone to mistakes, but their wisdom has guided us more than misled us.

Whether it was regarding how to set up our lives for success, or getting up from the failures of life, or even navigating a life crisis, the truth of the matter is that they have always had our best interests at heart even when it felt like they were standing in our way.

Realization

And you look through your lives, your ups and downs, and then you realize that “maybe there is something to this; maybe in the current situation they are right,” not necessarily because they want control, but because they’ve walked the path before us and know where it leads.

Some parents care more about what neighbours think than how their kids feel.

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Conclusion

It is better to accept this now than later, because yes, they might be a pain in the neck, but it was never to limit us but to prepare us to thrive in the very future that we are building.

So next time you hear “I told you so,” don’t roll your eyes; pause and ask yourself what lesson is hidden inside.