Let Them Rot (For a While)

When I was a kid, I tried hard all the time.

I was tired constantly, but still felt guilty for vegging out — for the hours of TV I watched lying on the sofa. And yet I ran from school to swim practice to karate. That was just one day. There were clubs and teams and activities, chores, and just the right amount of trouble with friends.

I could’ve done more homework. I could’ve bullshitted my way through more of it. But I didn’t. I did the work. I got the grades. The ideas came out well enough to get it done.

I knew things then that I don’t know now.

But I know far more now than I ever did.

The difference is this: there’s no stamp on it this time. No grade, no approval, no permission. What I have now comes from thinking things through — slowly — and not acting emotionally.

And hey — TV taught me shit too.

How could it not? They designed it that way.

Stories, timing, dialogue, rhythm.

It was school, whether anyone wanted to admit it or not.

And now the crap we used to watch has cultural relevance.

It’s studied. Quoted. Referenced.

So apparently I’m highbrow now.

So when your kid’s being lazy, don’t ask him what he’s done for you today.

Ask him what he’s done.

And if the answer’s nothing — hand him the rake.

But if it’s been homework, or dancing, or karate, or making TikToks,

then he’s already done something.

Just make sure your kids are out doing stuff.

Moving. Trying. Making things. Burning energy in some direction.

And when they’re not?

Let them rot.

Kids don’t need to be busy all the time.

They need to be engaged some of the time.

If they’re doing things — learning, moving, making, failing —

let them rest without guilt.

And if they’re doing nothing at all,

give them something to do.

The goal isn’t productivity.

It’s momentum.

Everything else works itself out.