[Cherry Christmas]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I wouldn't say "dumbed down" exactly, based on the many plainly ****ing thick and pig ignorant middle aged and elderly people I've had the misfortune to encounter, but yes, I agree that the youth of today are "babied" for far too long. I don't think teenagers are given anywhere near enough responsibility or control over their own lives, and the result is fairly pathetic 20-something year olds who can barely wipe their own arse without phoning their mum for instructions.

My own personal belief is that it should start much, much younger. I speak to my 4 and a half year old "like an adult" (most of the time) and she has far more control and decision making in her life than half of the teenagers I know.

When you see a young adult huffing like a toddler... Don't blame them. Blame the people who have treated them like toddlers their entire lives.

Obviously your child so you can do what you want but my personal belief is that children grow up too quickly as it is and it's a bit of a shame that you treat a 4 year old like an adult.

Back to the original question I do think that teenagers aren't as independant as they used to be, some of which is due to parents having a bit more cash to splash and also due to economic issues and difficulty getting work that will enable them to leave home.