A recent Humans of New York post showcases the heartfelt reflections of a 14-year-old girl who expresses her desire to remain a child a bit longer. Her candid thoughts may resonate deeply with parents, eliciting feelings of both comfort and sorrow.
While many assume that teenagers are eager to grow up and break away from their families, this young lady’s perspective reveals quite the opposite. She writes:
“I’m fourteen, and all my friends are obsessed with being adults. They’re drinking alcohol, smoking, and acting inappropriately to show they can be independent. But honestly, I wish I could be a kid just a little while longer. I cherish my time with my parents and have no desire to rush away. I hope these moments last as long as possible.”
Ouch, right? Her words hit hard, but they also highlight a truth that many teens share but rarely voice. Instead of openly admitting that adulthood feels daunting and that staying home with family is comforting, many teens opt to embrace risky adult behaviors—like drinking and swearing—before they’re truly ready.
Although some of her peers might genuinely find joy in their newfound “adult” experiences, others, like this insightful teen, are hesitant. The reality is that adulthood often comes with its own set of challenges, and many adults wish they could relive their childhood days. Comments from readers celebrating this young girl’s wisdom echoed this sentiment:
“I wish I had this clarity when I was her age! Enjoy your time with your friends, but know you have plenty of time to grow up.”
“Please talk to my 12-year-old. This is exactly how I felt!”
“Smart girl! Soon enough, she’ll realize how precious childhood is.”
What makes this teen’s perspective so poignant is that we don’t often hear such honesty from young people. I remember grappling with anxiety about growing up and longing for the safety of family during my junior high and high school years. Instead of expressing these feelings, I tried to fit in with my peers, even as I relished moments spent with my parents. My own cool parents played along, pretending not to notice my happiness.
So, when you sense your teen might prefer to spend a Friday night at home with you rather than out with friends, embrace that! Grab a massive bag of popcorn, choose a fun movie, and casually invite them for a cozy night in. They may accept with a nonchalant demeanor, but inside, they’ll be glowing. Because the world outside can be overwhelming, and there’s no rush to grow up.
This article was originally published on Aug. 16, 2017.
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In summary, this teen’s candid reflections remind us that the experience of growing up can be daunting, and many young people still long for the simplicity of childhood. As parents, cherishing these moments with our kids while they last is essential.
Keyphrase: Teen perspective on growing up
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