First and foremost, I would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Odyssey, Daytona for being such a welcoming, and understanding community of people. I recently had to take a long leave of absence, and this staff was more than happy to comply. It's kind of like having my own little family.

Secondly, a big 'thank you' to the faithful readers of the Odyssey, Daytona. Since i joined, our community has grown so much bigger, and we only have our readers to thank. Especially the loyal ones.

Lastly, as I am returning to hopefully submitting an article once a week, I would just like to personally thank anyone and everyone who has supported me. Whether I know you in person, or if we have never met; Thank you.

Now, the subject of 'entitlement' is a tricky one. What justifies being 'entitled' to something? What differentiates being 'entitled' to something, and having a 'right' to something, or is there even a difference? I'm not a know-it-all, in fact, I could populate an entire planet of things I don't know... And maybe there isn't a difference between being 'entitled' and having a 'right' to something... But there certainly is something such as:

Not being entitled to a damn thing.

(If you're sensitive to things, you might not want to read ahead..)

Specifically, parents. (I told you this was going to be a touchy subject...) Okay, I get it. I am not a parent. Unless you count my two dogs. Then I'm definitely one. But to a human child, I have no experience with, besides babysitting my niece and nephew. And I'm not going to bother you with my entire life story... Or even the parts leading up to what prompted me to write this article... But I do know something... Whether or not you birthed a kid, had a kid, or have kids...

I do know that you're not entitled to ruining their lives, just because "You're the parent."

No, that's not how parent-child relationships should work. That leads to dysfunction. And believe me, that's not the only way to dysfunction, but it's a sure way to get your child to not like you. I mean, the amount of videos I've seen on Facebook of moms and dads telling the masses that they're not here to be their child's friend... That they're not here to hold their hand, but there to be a parent... And since their kid doesn't pay a bill, they don't get a say in anything.

Well, let me tell you something parents (and kids), that's one sure way I can guarantee you to get your child on your bad side. Just as an automatic response... Once a child feels restricted by your entitlement, the chances of rebellion in any way, shape, or form, are far more likely. I don't know the stats... But I do know kids, teens, and young adults in the exact same situation I am in... And it's sickening.

It's sickening to think that any parent would put their superiority over their relationship with their child. Because in my opinion, a parent should be their child's friend. A parent should be the person their child turns to when they're scared, nervous, or even if they just want to talk about the pot they smoked yesterday at X Person's house.

So why is it not like that? Why do parents believe their entitled to ruining their child's life, just because there is a roof over that child's head? Just because YOU as the parent decided to have a child in the first place? Why is there the sense of entitlement that looms over a parent-child relationship? Your child is your child. Cherish them, love them, and reassure them that no matter what: they will remain your child. Even if what they did was so abhorrent to you that the only solution you could think of was cutting them off completely. They are your child, and respect should go both ways, because once superiority replaces respect, it is anyone's game.

Effectively, my relationship with my parents was ruined because of their sense of entitlement over me. Over someone who wasn't even their child! And want to know the kicker? It was the hypocrisy of the situation that really got to me. So for anyone out there:

Hypocrites only make enemies. So maybe mean what you say, and say what you mean.

Entitlement is bullshit. And I'm here to call you out on it. You are not entitled to anything. And while this article focused on a parent-child relationship, just because you think someone owes you something, does not mean you are entitled to that superiority.

So...

Dear Parents,

You're not entitled to be rude. You're not entitled to be superior, just because you pay your 13 year old son's bills. You are not entitled to anything. You're a parent. Their guardian. Their friend.

Act like it.