Most the world is moving from analog to digital. It’s no longer “A bit before 8 o’clock,” it’s now “7:58.” On the other hand, raising kids has gone the other way.
It used to be:
- Birth to age 3 Infant
- Age 3 – 6 Toddler
- Age 6 – 13 Grade/Middle School Student
- Age 13 – 18 High School Student
- Age 18 – 23 College Student (Away at school)
- Age 23 – 35 Young Adult (Moving out and on their own)
Now, it’s a bit different:
- Birth to ~ age 3 Infant
- Age ~ 3 – 6 Toddler
- Age ~ 6 – 13 Home Schooled / Online education
- Age ~ 18 – 23 Distance Learning College (Living at home)
- Age ~ 23 – 35 Living at home looking for a job
What used to be distinct stages have become a continuum, with blurred lines. It’s common for our children who are now mature, educated, and desperate to be employed and independent. They’ve done everything right, but it hasn’t turned out the way they–and we–had planned.
It’s no reflection on our kids, it’s just the way things are today. I don’t know how I would have reacted to the current situation, but I suspect I would more-or-less hate it. Just like our kids.
Sorry, kids.
sfnowak 