Will adolescence survive?

[ozark]

After the depression ended during and after world war II society invented a new period in life called adolescence. This developed into an awkward period of life for our youth. No longer were they children, young adults or adults. This period of a few years of adolescence surfaced. What did it mean? It meant that thirteen year olds were taught about drugs, sex, gangs and life by 15-18 year olds. This eliminated going from childhood to the work world and the influences of adult parents or other grownups.
How has it been working for the happiness and welfare of those having to live through the adolesence years? It is a tough period for them. Peer pressure, lack of responsibility and looking for money from parents or illegal means. It is during this period that we lose a lot of our youth.
Some survive the period to do well but many gets into drugs, having children and becoming dependents of the welfare system.
Parents who deny their children this so called carefree adolescence period are considered too strict, non loving and selfish.
I missed living through this awkward space of life and went directly from childhood to being a young adult working for the families survival and for earning a few coins for myself. Frankly, I feel it was great for me. Had I been forced to stumble through the years of adolescence I would have probably turned to the bad..
The so called greatest generation didn't have to live through this terrible destructive period of life. Just an old man thinking. Ozark

[SW]

:)Ben
I appreciate your in-sights into life, starting with "Jake, the Woodsman". I suspect a # on this board were fortunate enough to have to work during the "adolescence period of life", and some were just mature enough to listen to sound advice and benefited from other's experiences rather than having to experience everything 1st hand. I've learned a lot on this board by just reading their insights, experiences,etc.

[petev]

It's an interesting idea, Ben. Maybe, what I've heard little bits of over the years has been that adolescence should be a relatively brief part of the end of childhood and beginning of adulthood, and should end probably around age 18 or so. The problem is if it goes on and on. Say if it goes on to the mid to upper twenties then drugs, and poor habits can set in. My generation (late sixties to early seventies graduation) was probably the worst for this. But, fighting to survive make me cautious about things that I am now glad I didn't get into.

[Buckrub]

Hey Ben. My BOSS is an adolescent! Now what do I do??

I got a work permit to work in a factory at age 14. I have not quit since. Some years I had 5 jobs simultaneously. I finished paying for my college education at age 32. And I'll die broke, no doubt. But I have lots of neat toys to leave my son and grandsons! Speaking of which, there IS hope....I have one grandson just passing through this adolescent period, and he is the epitome of a Good Kid. Look up "Kid I Wish I Had" in the Dictionary, and it's got HIS picture. I am blessed. And I don't think he's alone.

But you are a muser. You muse. I love musers. I could read what you write all day......