In order to communicate better with these young, delightful people (with the excuses), I as a 56 year old have:
1) Made a sign that says "Cooper Run" and taken a picture of it with my cool camera phone so that I can send the picture to them when they give me the excuse; and
2) Have a permanent "draft" text message that says "Cooper Run - NOW" that I can send and they can receive.
As a "connected" dinosaur, I have unlimited text and pics, you see. Makes me feel young.