Commentary: Kids should thank their parents for their sacrifices

I recently overheard a young teenager complain about having to walk to school two miles (gasp).

Apparently, he missed the school bus while his mom was at work. He told his mother that he wished his parents had never gotten divorced, so that she wouldn’t have to work and could be a stay-at-home mom.

I bit my tongue and kept my mouth shut. But his remark stayed with me for the rest of the day.

So now it’s my turn to speak. Here is an open letter to all kids who need a short lesson on the economy:

Dear Children and Young Adults,

Life is tough — and expensive.

Many areas of Orange County don’t represent the real world. Uniforms, sports fees and school-related items don’t grow on trees. Nor do bicycles, skateboards and the new iPhone that you can’t live without!

Most households welcome two paychecks. For some, it means putting three meals on the table and paying their rent or mortgage on time.

For others, it means being able to provide their families with a few luxuries — a new computer, a vacation, more college choices for those of you without scholarships.

Then there are the very few families who can truly live on one paycheck. Most likely, they are educated adults who want to involve themselves with interesting, stimulating activities.

Perhaps they volunteer, mentor or give back in some way. These are probably not parents who are sitting home watching soap operas all day long, in the event their child misses the bus.

So, kids, here are my recommendations:

• First, be responsible enough not to miss the bus. Maybe it means going to bed a little earlier or getting a new alarm clock.

•Second, be grateful that your parent has a job to provide for you. Think about it, the next time you have a hot meal or purchase a new item of clothing.

• Third, help around the house, so that your parent can have some down time after work. Learn how to do laundry, make a bed and cook a meal.

• Finally, go home, kiss your parents and give them a big thank you!

TERRI GOLDSTEIN lives in Newport Coast.