RE: CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE - FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE

Thanks for this very open article. What I see here is a son who seems to have the feeling that he can talk to you about literally everything. Even skipping school. That is amazing, isn't it?

I believe that small demonstrations might usually not have much of an effect. But this is happening on a global scale and precisely the fact that concerned students skip school for the cause has attracted global attention.

I believe most of them know how important education is - they are, after all, educated enough to understand climate change and the severe consequences it has particularly on them and their future children and grandchildren! (Also, since they understand the importance of education, I'm sure that everyone who attends the meetings out of genuine concern about our future, will catch up with all the schoolwork asap!)

Having said that, I also understand your concerns. Will your kid be a good citizen? Will he find a good job? Might he ever be unemployed?
I guess, you have to ask yourself how you would define a good citizen. For me, that would be someone who does what is best for their country and the planet and not what is best for the (current) government. Sometimes, that may be the same thing. Sometimes it may not be the same thing.

I don't know your son so I don't know why he attends Fridays for Future. Chances are, though, that he is genuinely concerned about his future. We often see teenagers as revolting hormone monsters but having worked with teenagers for over a decade, I can assure you that most of them are actually smart and, while of course they have to revolt (we did too, didn't we?), they also have a strong sense of responsibility and the need to shape a future that is worth living in. Because after all they will be adults in that future...

Maybe you can find some common ground by establishing a rule that all the homework and schoolwork has to be done on Saturday, no matter what. And, I can only stress this once again, by appreciating how open he is about his skipping school. I know a lot of teenagers who would under absolutely no circumstances talk to their parents about such things. It looks like you can be really proud of your parenting so far. So no matter what you decide on: congratulations on such a great relationship with your kid! I'm sure you'll figure out a way of dealing with this situation, too. Have a great weekend!