how can parents help their children prepare for adult roles that are now demanded at an earlier age, but still allow them to experience the freedom associated with childhood?
3 answers
One periodically lengthens the length of the leash.
First, I disagree with the initial assumption that "adult roles are demanded at an earlier age."
Up until the early to mid-20th century, many or most children were working on farms or factories by age 12 or 14. When I started teaching in a rural Michigan school in the early 60s, many of the parents had only gone through the 6th grade. Today, children are expected to graduate from high school and go on to higher education of some sort. They don't assume adult roles until they are finished or nearly finished with their educations.
Parents help children prepare for adult roles by encouraging education, independence, and conscientious fulfillment of their household and school responsibilities.
Some children are probably too programmed with out of school activities, leaving little time for freedom in their play activities. I'm reminded of a dozen or so children I watched in New York's Central Park at least 20 years ago. These children were well-dressed, but no parents were around. Their play was aggressive, but not hostile. I figured that this assertiveness was the natural way they were learning about being adults in a major city. I've also watched children playing in a park in Paris, France. Although parents were on the sidelines, the children were playing cooperatively. Perhaps there's a difference between New York and Paris adult societies?
Up until the early to mid-20th century, many or most children were working on farms or factories by age 12 or 14. When I started teaching in a rural Michigan school in the early 60s, many of the parents had only gone through the 6th grade. Today, children are expected to graduate from high school and go on to higher education of some sort. They don't assume adult roles until they are finished or nearly finished with their educations.
Parents help children prepare for adult roles by encouraging education, independence, and conscientious fulfillment of their household and school responsibilities.
Some children are probably too programmed with out of school activities, leaving little time for freedom in their play activities. I'm reminded of a dozen or so children I watched in New York's Central Park at least 20 years ago. These children were well-dressed, but no parents were around. Their play was aggressive, but not hostile. I figured that this assertiveness was the natural way they were learning about being adults in a major city. I've also watched children playing in a park in Paris, France. Although parents were on the sidelines, the children were playing cooperatively. Perhaps there's a difference between New York and Paris adult societies?
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http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/AdolIndepend.html
I hope it helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
1 answer