During a recent Oprah Winfrey episode, she conducted an interview with Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. During the interview, a segment of Will's 1989 'Parents Just Don't Understand' video was played. Will Smith commented that now he realises that parents understand far better than young people think. They simply have difficulty articulating that idea to their children.

Parents, have really 'been there and done that' young people. Their words are based on past mistakes, some of which they'd rather you not have to experience. You don't have to put your hand in the fire to know it will burn.

Trust that your parent/guardian is trying their best to provide you with opportunities that will develop you in a positive way.

Will Smith referred to the lions on the African plains, as he continued to explain his thoughts. Adults lions know what will happen if wrong decisions are made, so they spend years enculturating their young on the rules of the land – guiding, teaching, correcting. They do this, not to make life miserable, but rather to ensure that a solid foundation is set, upon which a successful, contributing life can be built.

So, young people – 'parents just don't understand.' But that's okay because they don't have to!