Teenagers are notorious for sleeping-in, waking up at the last possible second before dashing out to school. The breakfast I make for her is sometimes not eaten or nibbled on at best. Forget making the bed or putting clothes back on hangers or drawers; the floor is my daughter’s closet.
While she appreciates a tidy house where everything is in place, her room takes exception. One time, we were going to lie on her bed to watch TV. “I can’t lay on top of that. There are books, clothes and your blanket is rolled in a ball. Make your bed,” I demanded.
She looked at me like I have horns growing from the side of my head…But dad, I’m going to bed soon, why would I make my bed now? It seems so…excessively superfluous. “It’s not. And where did you learn those words? It’s ironic you are using that many syllables to describe this situation, yet you won’t spread a throw. Yes, I want to lay down over your throw as I don’t want to wear outside clothes on top of your fitted sheet.”
I kissed her good night and went back to my made-bed which was inviting to me.
She grudgingly made her bed and then asked if I was happy. “Yes, you should make it for yourself, not me.” Why? “Because it fosters a sense of organization which this room sorely needs. It gives you routine and sense of accomplishment. All from throwing the top sheet and comforter over your bed so it looks inviting for when you do go to sleep. Imagine a hotel room making beds the way you do.”
Yeah, but dad. I already do a lot with school and have oodles of accomplishments. In fact, I’m behind, so there’ll be more accomplishments by the end of the semester. I wake up and go to school and then to my after-school job teaching swimming. My routine is fixed. And I don’t need an invitation from my bed. I’m often exhausted and take no time to sleep.
As we laid there watching TV on her bed, I thought to myself of all the things that my daughter does do. I have no complaints. She does do a lot and more so than most of her peers with no job or no extracurricular. Do I have much to complain about? Not really. Should I pick a fight and insist she clean her room for my benefit? I guess I could overlook it as a messy room is not a hill to die on.
I was lost in my thoughts and then heard my daughter say, “Dad, wake up. You fell asleep.” It confirmed to me that her making her bed was for my reasons. I kissed her good night and went back to my made-bed which was inviting to me.
