The title makes no sense, you might think. Let me explain!

Winter is coming to our school! We only had 2°C today (or ~36°F if google is not failing me). So it is already getting cold.

Since children have no feelings (as we all know), they still want the windows open. My God, that is way too cold for me, but since I am the male adult in the room, I never have to complain because there are teenage girls who will do that for you.

Last week, in the 10th grade ethics class, one girl in particular was freezing even with the windows closed. Of course, the sensible and respectful classmates blamed her for not having enough clothes on.

I give the children a lot of leeway. So I let a few comments slip. But at one point I had to intervene. It was getting too much. Since we are talking about responsibility, making a better life for yourself and Jordan Peterson's 12 rules of life, I had to get involved.

The one guy who loves open windows is sitting right behind the girl who hates open windows and is basically freezing to death. Let's call this guy Greg.

I told Greg that he cannot complain about others if he has not tried to fix the problem or come up with a solution/alternative.

Since we talked about "proof of work" in an ethical context at the end of the class, Greg was somehow very engaged and super interested in the topic.

Back to today's lesson:

It was a pleasure to enter the class! Greg had something prepared! Let's call the girl Jules.

When I entered the room the window was open, that was the first thing I saw, I was prepared for Jules to complain as soon as she saw me. But hold your horses! There was no complaint. Jules had a blanket and a hot chocolate.

Greg took it seriously. He looked at me and said: "Now I can complain as soon as she complains about the cold! I did my part to make it more comfortable for her. I want my window open!

And he got it, I gave him the open window and the ability to complain when people wanted to close it. I have to admit that I was lucky that even he got cold after about 20 minutes and closed the window.

But I love that it was so important to him to have the right to open the window that he brought the blanket and the hot chocolate.

He really did the "proof of work" and he really stood by my words "you cannot complain if you have not tried to make the situation better".

I love these kids! They are the best!