October 5, 2026 · 5 min

Five more minutes.

I am worn out, and the day has started badly.

Free

Plain Talk

A free letter every Thursday: one thing a teenager said this week, what it meant and what I would try.

Plain Talk, every Thursday

Chapter 1 · 6:30 pm

Why do we have to sit here?

I want to be on my phone, and I want to be treated as grown up.

Try Fifteen minutes, phones in the basket, then you can go.

Chapter 2 · 10 pm

I cannot sleep.

My head is full, or my phone is.

Try Come and sit for five minutes. The phone stays on the counter.