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Kids are fantastic innovators and have surprised many of us with their creative methods for getting what they want.
An 8-year-old boy, Max, was no different when he lodged a formal complaint with his mother regarding his early bedtime.
Though the letter was handwritten, we otherwise have to give this little boy some serious credit. Not only did he make a clear argument, but he also used research from the NHS (National Health Service) website in the United Kingdom.
Max focused on research that argued for the sleep schedule a child his age developmentally needs.
The 8-year-old wrote in his letter:
"Dear Mummy,"
"I am complaining about my bedtime."
"I am now 8 years old and need more independence."
"Obviously I'm ready to have a later bedtime. I have checked the NHS website and 8-year-olds need 10 hours and 15 minutes [of] sleep."
"This means I should go to bed at 9 o'clock."
"Lots of love, Max."
You can see the letter here:
@alexjellicoe/Twitter
His mother, thoroughly entertained by his efforts, shared an image of his letter on Twitter.
I just received a letter of complaint from my 8 year old son 🤣 https://t.co/CaWiIkNGTJ— Dr Alexandra Jellicoe (@Dr Alexandra Jellicoe) 1590055313.0
The adorable complaint of course went viral, with more than 35-thousand retweets and nearly 320-thousand likes.
Some comments were made about Max's spelling and handwriting. A few also argued that sleep schedule needs are more dependent on the child than on their age.
But all-in-all, the sharing of the letter made for a fun time on a lot of people's Twitter feeds.
Fellow Twitter users were thoroughly entertained not only by Max's writing of a letter but also his use of a credible source.
@alexjellicoe His argument is sound and backed up with references to acknowledged research. How can you refuse? 😆 Well done, that boy.— Alexander King (@Alexander King) 1590067573.0
@alexjellicoe evidence based claims making ! Your work is done! 😉❤️— Bronwyn Hayward (@Bronwyn Hayward) 1590055703.0
Many went so far as to say that his use of sources meant he was already smarter than most adults.
@alexjellicoe He used data to back up his argument AND CITED THE SOURCE! Your son is already smarter than a lot of… https://t.co/j6kkDkSlrh— Faith Naff 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🌹🦋 (@Faith Naff 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🌹🦋) 1590111295.0
@alexjellicoe Max consulted the NHS website, which is more than members of the government did.— AV (@AV) 1590071968.0
@alexjellicoe @docrocktex26 This is better written than some business emails I've seen in my day.— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈) 1590146542.0
@alexjellicoe I told my daughter when 8 that she couldn't do something. She said she could, as long as she knew and… https://t.co/tXZ1tvRRN4— Andrew Paterson (@Andrew Paterson) 1590097417.0
Of course, arguments were made in favor of this new bedtime.
@alexjellicoe Mommy, Max had the wherewithal to check the website, write a well well-reasoned complaint, and presen… https://t.co/87gSbxWmnH— Sock 'OMGWTFKMN' Knitty Put a mask on Dammit! (@Sock 'OMGWTFKMN' Knitty Put a mask on Dammit!) 1590068842.0
@alexjellicoe He's got my support.— David Blanchflower #NASASocial (@David Blanchflower #NASASocial) 1590071931.0
@alexjellicoe I love the evidence backed argument. Give him the later bedtime lol.— Delle #fundtheNHS #keyworkerpayrise (@Delle #fundtheNHS #keyworkerpayrise) 1590069509.0
And if the mom wasn't ready for the new bedtime, there was always the "holding letter" option.
@alexjellicoe You could send him a holding letter - 'Thank you for your letter. Due to administrative delays, we a… https://t.co/IxOZfJPQPM— Jackie Fox (@Jackie Fox) 1590066668.0
Quite hilariously, even the NHS website responded!
@alexjellicoe If it helps for future conversations, our sleeping advice also recommends that a child’s bedroom shou… https://t.co/hye8DhaBFg— NHS (@NHS) 1590078763.0
@NHSuk @alexjellicoe “The NHS giveth, and the NHS taketh away.”— London Titan (@London Titan) 1590081831.0
Whether or not Max gets a later bedtime from this, we really admire his effort and the sheer adorableness of his letter.
Good luck, Max!