"Kids just don't have any respect for their betters these days..."
Well
When you decide to come home from work
To see your kids seated in the same spot they have been in since they got home from school
Laboring over homework that really never ends
A chores list laying forgotten on the counter in front of their eyes glued not to their phones
But to the massive pile of work that even you couldn't hope to accomplish
And instead of encouraging them to finish their work
Shout at them for not taking your needs into consideration,
Remember that every period of every school day (That's 6 periods, 5 days a week)
Every single one of their teachers is telling them the same thing
To forget the other work and prioritize theirs.
Recall that even before their homework that they have extracurriculars
And colleges are looking for not just academic excellence but social too.
Remind yourself that on top of THAT, they are constantly under pressure from themselves as well
No one puts themselves through hell without mental conviction
And certainly no lazy student would ever take initiative unless it was extremely important.
Your chores pale in comparison to the ocean of stress floating in the minds
Of the very people you berate.
And bear in mind that you are not their betters
For respect is a privilege to earn,
Not a right to have.