I just made my teenage son

read this aloud to me…

“Sigmund Freud’s theory about how our minds work, specifically the

id, ego, and superego.

These are like three parts of your brain that team up (or clash) to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions. Think of them as different voices in your head, each with its own agenda.

• Id: This is the wild, impulsive side of you that’s all about instant gratification. It’s like that urge to binge an entire season of your favorite show instead of studying, or to blow your cash on something dope without thinking twice. The id runs on the “I want it, and I want it now” vibe, doesn’t care about consequences, and lives in the moment. It’s like your inner party animal.

• Ego: The ego is the chill, logical one that keeps things grounded. It’s like the friend who says, “Yo, maybe watch one episode and then hit the books so you don’t flunk.” It works with the id’s cravings but figures out how to make them happen in a way that won’t screw you over. The ego’s all about balancing what you want with what’s actually realistic, like saving some of that cash for gas instead of going broke.

• Superego: This is your moral compass, the part that’s like, “What would my parents or society think?” It’s the voice that makes you feel guilty if you lie to a friend or skip out on helping someone. It’s always pushing you to do the “right” thing, based on the rules and values you’ve picked up from family, culture, or school. It’s like your inner judge, keeping you in check.

These three are constantly battling it out. The id’s like, “Let’s rage!” The ego’s like, “Okay, but we got work tomorrow.” And the superego’s like, “Don’t be a jerk, stick to your values.” Together, they decide what you actually do, like whether you ghost a group project or pull your weight.”