Roast session: it’s our turn to speak
Oct 5th, 2025
Today, we finally welcomed the long-awaited — Roast Session!
This isn’t just any activity; it’s a “Kids’ Voices Special.”
Here, we don’t have to hold back, pretend to be good, or worry about being scolded for talking back —
because today, it’s our turn to speak the truth!
Video editor: Wenqi Xiao. Grade 10 of Abbey Park High School
Roast talks
Abstract Lunches
One student burst out laughing: “Why are my parents’ meals getting more and more abstract?!”
Sometimes it’s like a “dark cuisine lab,” sometimes it’s just a fridge mix-and-match.
But everyone agreed: even though it’s not tasty, we still try our best to finish it — because it’s love (though a little hard to swallow).
Parents spent too much time on cooking. I expect more talks instead of food.
Parents Who Don’t Keep Their Word
“My parents always promise to play with me, but they cancel last minute.”
“They say they won’t scold me again, but next time it’s ‘this is really the last time.’”
We understand they’re busy, but it’d be great if they could break fewer promises.
Don’t say a bonus if you don’t remember to give the redemption
Parents Don’t Understand Their Kids
Sometimes when we say “I’m tired,” they say, “You don’t even work.”
When we say “I’m unhappy,” they say, “Just cheer up.”
We don’t need big lessons — we just want to be understood.
Don’t impose your dream on me.
Parents Lose Their Temper Easily
“They say they have a bad temper but never try to change.”
“I just forgot a notebook, and they lectured me from dinner to bedtime.”
We’re not disobedient — we just hope they’ll listen before getting mad.
Constant nagging can be a kind of punishment.
Parents Play Favorites
A student whispered: “Parents always say my little brother’s still young, so I have to give in.”
“But I also want to be comforted and praised.”
Turns out, even grown-up kids still need a little bit of favoritism.
Hey Mom and Dad, be a good role model, okay?
Annoying Siblings
“My little sister comes into my room and rummages through my stuff every day.”
“My brother laughs at my handwriting and makes fun of my piano pieces.”
We don’t really hate them — they just know exactly how to annoy us!
I’ve grown up, and I need a bit of personal space.
Endless Questions About School & Forced Piano Lessons
“As soon as I get home, they ask: What did the teacher say? Any tests? Lots of homework?”
“When I say ‘nothing much,’ they start suspecting I’m hiding something.”
Someone added: “I don’t want to be forced to play piano anymore — I should choose what I love!”
A gentle but firm push is my parents’ usual tactic.
When We Share Problems, They Ask for Solutions — But Don’t Listen to Them
“They ask how I’d solve something, and after I explain, they say, ‘You don’t understand.’”
“It feels like being crushed — exhausting and pointless.”
We really are thinking hard; we just wish they’d trust us once.
I really have been working hard, even in the moments you don’t see.
They Interfere in Everything About Me
“What I wear, what I eat, how I do homework… my whole life’s arranged for me.”
“Sometimes I want to try things myself, but they won’t let me.”
One student summed it up perfectly: “Parents aren’t GPS — they don’t need to recalculate every route.”
Please believe me—I have my own pace.
Acting Without Thinking, Still Trying to Control Everything
“They act like experts even in things they don’t understand.”
“For example, when the computer breaks, they press everything and then blame me.”
“And then they start talking about how hard they work — I can’t even interrupt.”
We just wish they’d be more patient and less impulsive.
Pleases dont’t rush me for academic performance…I know it!
Not Admitting Mistakes
“Parents rarely say ‘I was wrong.’”
“They just say, ‘Maybe my way wasn’t right.’”
We’re not trying to win — we just want to hear a simple ‘I’m sorry.’
That would make us more willing to change too.
Please forgive me if I get upset sometimes; I’m just under a lot of stress.
Dialogues
After all the roasting, the parents came up too.
Some laughed: “You’ve been observing us so closely!”
Others said seriously: “We’ll try to do better.”
Then everyone wrote “Family Improvement Cards”:
A discussion between parents and youth
Some kids wrote, “I hope Mom and Dad won’t lose their temper so easily.”
Some parents wrote, “I’ll listen to you first before sharing my thoughts.”
And some kids added, “I’ll try to be more understanding and not talk back.”
Each sentence we put on the “Family Promise Wall” was a small change — and a gentle understanding.
“We’ll all change, little by little.”
“We may not be perfect, but we’ll keep trying.”
“Home isn’t a place for arguing — it’s a place for understanding.”
A knowing smile blossoms like flowers among all of us
Happy ending
In this Roast Session, there was no winning or losing — only honest kids and parents willing to listen.
Because roasting isn’t complaining — it’s the hope to be understood.
And understanding — is the truest form of love.
Let communication feel warmer, and let love be less shy.
Author： David Li
David Li is a grade 7 student in Rotherglen Private School. He loves reading detective novels, is crazy about LEGO，and enjoys playing the drum set. He often plays basketball and football with his friends.
