Anyone else hate this statement? (party, meal, teens, support)

[Lucidkitty]

"Kids grow up too fast these days?" Am i missing something or does this not seem true at all? It seems to me that kids mature less mentally and emotionally now then in the past, and are slower to leave the nest. Now granted I'm only 26 and can only really see the difference between my older sisters generation, and teens of today, the rest i have to rely on stories of older people. But i wonder where this mythic long lived childhood existed within american history, because i sure don't see it.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by Lucidkitty

"Kids grow up too fast these days?" Am i missing something or does this not seem true at all? It seems to me that kids mature less mentally and emotionally now then in the past, and are slower to leave the nest. Now granted I'm only 26 and can only really see the difference between my older sisters generation, and teens of today, the rest i have to rely on stories of older people. But i wonder where this mythic long lived childhood existed within american history, because i sure don't see it.

I think when people use that phrase, most of it refers to sexuality. In past generations, kids did not date until they were 16 or older, and they certainly weren't dressing like hoochies at the age of 8 nor were the clothing choices available to dress that way. They also didn't have such broad knowledge of the way the world was beyond their communities in many cases.

However, you are right. In some ways they are much more immature. In medieval times, teenagers were leading armies to reclaim kingdoms or fight tyrants. Even here in the US, many kids in the past didn't go beyond 8th grade before they went out to work to help support the family.

How many teenagers these days even know how to do basic things like sew on a button or cook a simple meal for themselves?

[Dave5150]

I dont think it means they necessarily are world ready faster than a previous generation. I think this is one of those statements like "the kids these days have no respect". Every generation says a version of it, doesnt make it less true than a previous gen, just how we interpret faster. Children in my sons generation and in our generation are doing things very young, that the next generation didnt learn to do until later in life, but that is mostly exposure. Like 12 year olds with cell phones, or 4 year olds with video games. The older gen didnt do that, because there was no cell phones or game systems. Yesterday at dinner my son was playing his DS and an older woman was amazed at his ability to do it and asked if I had to teach him. No he figured it out all on his own. She just couldnt fathom that, but the truth is there is a huge learning curve with the older ones and our children.

[Ringo1]

I have mixed feelings about this statement. In some ways, parents today do more for their kids than ever - think helicopter parent or some version of that.

In other ways though, kids today had pressure on them that I never had as a child. No one was looking at me to obtain an athletic scholarship when I was in pre-school. Competition to get into a good college was not as tough.

I think there is a lot of pressure on kids today to 'succeed' both academically and athletically - more than I ever felt. I felt some, of course, because my parents were professionals but nothing like the focus my son has to have.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by Dave5150

I dont think it means they necessarily are world ready faster than a previous generation. I think this is one of those statements like "the kids these days have no respect". Every generation says a version of it, doesnt make it less true than a previous gen, just how we interpret faster. Children in my sons generation and in our generation are doing things very young, that the next generation didnt learn to do until later in life, but that is mostly exposure. Like 12 year olds with cell phones, or 4 year olds with video games. The older gen didnt do that, because there was no cell phones or game systems. Yesterday at dinner my son was playing his DS and an older woman was amazed at his ability to do it and asked if I had to teach him. No he figured it out all on his own. She just couldnt fathom that, but the truth is there is a huge learning curve with the older ones and our children.

There definitely is, but do these kids know how to do basic things like prepare food or fix something? I am amazed and appalled by how many people, including some who are now adults, don't know basics of life like which way is north, south, west or east by looking at the sun.

I have seen more than a few children who don't know how to tell time on an analog clock.

[Dave5150]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

There definitely is, but do these kids know how to do basic things like prepare food or fix something? I am amazed and appalled by how many people, including some who are now adults, don't know basics of life like which way is north, south, west or east by looking at the sun.

I have seen more than a few children who don't know how to tell time on an analog clock.

ive seen these sorts of things to. I do a lot of "old fashioned" type things (i can food, sew, those sorts) and sometimes when Im looking for supplies people say things like "people still do that?" its quite entertaining.

As for the inability to cook for yourself and fix something? Failure at parenting.

[PoppySead]

In my family it always meant that time went by fast and your kids were older before you knew it. It wasn't about a whole generation.
That said, there are different priorities now then long ago. Woman learned to sew and cook because most of them were going to spend their lives doing so.

[Lucidkitty]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

I think when people use that phrase, most of it refers to sexuality. In past generations, kids did not date until they were 16 or older, and they certainly weren't dressing like hoochies at the age of 8 nor were the clothing choices available to dress that way. They also didn't have such broad knowledge of the way the world was beyond their communities in many cases.

However, you are right. In some ways they are much more immature. In medieval times, teenagers were leading armies to reclaim kingdoms or fight tyrants. Even here in the US, many kids in the past didn't go beyond 8th grade before they went out to work to help support the family.

How many teenagers these days even know how to do basic things like sew on a button or cook a simple meal for themselves?

I even wonder about that because my older sister is 36 and she said when she stated middle school in the 80's you still had plenty of kids doing things. I think the difference is today it's not as taboo in society to admit it is all.

[Irishiis49]

Originally Posted by Lucidkitty

"Kids grow up too fast these days?" Am i missing something or does this not seem true at all? It seems to me that kids mature less mentally and emotionally now then in the past, and are slower to leave the nest. Now granted I'm only 26 and can only really see the difference between my older sisters generation, and teens of today, the rest i have to rely on stories of older people. But i wonder where this mythic long lived childhood existed within american history, because i sure don't see it.

Yes I see an immaturity in my son and his friends (25 all still live home) that my husband and I (our friends too)didn't seem to have!After college the party slowed down and we married and had kids! I think the only way the OP's quote is true is in the regard! that kids today are sexualized at a much younger age!hey are bombarded with graphic sex in their music,movies,tv, and magazines...so just in that way they grow up too fast!

[Lucidkitty]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

There definitely is, but do these kids know how to do basic things like prepare food or fix something? I am amazed and appalled by how many people, including some who are now adults, don't know basics of life like which way is north, south, west or east by looking at the sun.

I have seen more than a few children who don't know how to tell time on an analog clock.

My mom and dad can't cook to save their lives