12 Things Adults Can Do But Kids Get Punished For
When you’re a child, you can’t wait to grow up. Then you do and wonder how to go back to when your biggest worries included which cartoon to watch or whether your parents would allow you to wear your favorite costume to preschool. Children can get away with many things, including spitting out food and saying what’s on their minds with no filter. Yet there are many things adults can do, but they are not acceptable for kids.
Watching movies all night
When you’re an adult, you don’t have bath time, nap time, or time to go to bed. You can stay up watching movies all night, and though you might regret it in the morning, no one can stop you. You are the master of your time, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your organizational skills.
Paying someone to do your “chores”
Say your older child pays their sibling to vacuum instead of them. They would be in big trouble. But when you’re an adult, paying someone to clean up your house is a dream come true. Of course, you have to earn money to pay that person, and it is not as cheap as bribing your five-year-old to do something for five dollars. But no one said adulting is perfect; it is just more liberating.
Not eating your leafy greens
You, an adult, know what’s good for your body, but skipping leafy greens and ordering fast food happens all the time. Children don’t have that luxury, and though they can spit food, they will get in trouble if they don’t finish their dinner. Adulting means being free to eat the whole cake for dinner without indulging in it.
Losing and forgetting things
We misplace our keys, lose our sunglasses, and forget to call back our parents. We use excuses like, “It was a stressful day,” or “I wish I got more sleep.” But we teach our children to be responsible with their things, to call us on time, and if they don’t, we give them a lesson.
Speaking of food
Kids can go Trick-or-Treating but are not in charge of their rewards. Many parents won’t admit it out loud, but they are likelier to get on sugar high on Halloween or any other day because no adults can stop them from eating too much chocolate.
Using cell phones, whenever
Most children have limits on their screen time. However, adults use phones all the time, even when they are not supposed to, and nothing and no one can control them. Though telling your preteen this might not be a good idea, you get unlimited time on social media, and no one is “spying” on what you’re watching.
Wearing what you want
There are some societal norms, but adults usually wear what they want. Children are rarely allowed to pick their own outfits, so they have toys. But you, as an adult, can create your own Barbie closet and dress up every day.
Fidgeting
Kids get reprimanded for not sitting pretty during school hours. When you’re an adult, fidgeting can be a sign of stress, but it can also be a way to get creative juices going or improve your concentration. If anything, getting up and stretching occasionally is advised, so children are getting in trouble over things we believe are good for us.
Whining and complaining
Kids whine, complain, and throw temper tantrums, but if they are above the age of two, they get scolded and schooled. However, adulting means complaining and whining because of your boss, prices, politics, or supporting a losing team. It is expected behavior, shared primarily among long-time friends.
Being cranky
Adults can be cranky, and we don’t need a good reason. We may get teased, but no one will force us to open up and share our feelings. Kids do not have that luxury. We will get an answer out of them and teach them to be grateful as if they are not allowed to have an off day.
Driving
Teenagers dream of owning a car, blasting the music they want, and driving around with friends. Most adults do not have to rely on public transportation, though driving around aimlessly might seem like a waste of time once you are out of puberty. Still, there is a choice despite the lack of time.
Breaking things
If you break something, it is not a big deal. It happens. Perhaps we weren’t focused on the task or wished we had not had that last glass of wine last night. Regardless of reason, adults do not get in trouble over dropping, breaking, or spilling. However, children get scolded, which is okay if they are teenagers. But if they are younger, they might not be as crafty as they want to be, so perhaps we should give them a break.