Adulting! Huh! Once we were all in standard 10th or 12th dreaming of college, then college happened and passed too quickly before we could realize it was the most beautiful phase of our lives.
Most of the late 80s and 90s kids are kids no more and are either in their late 20s or early 30s. 18 is the official age to be called an adult, we are nearly the double. Feeling old already!
I vividly remember when I was a teenager I feared certain kinds of ‘uncle’ and ‘aunties’ we had in our society. Whether the obnoxious ones, always wanting to know what percentage I scored in exams, or the nasty uncles ogling through my school skirt wanting to catch a glimpse of my pubertal body. My pain knew no bounds when the oldies wanted me to feel ashamed of my periods or hide my growing bosom.
It was quite a discomfort to face the gaze of people always judging, always curious what’s going on in my life, always inquisitive whether my male friend, whom I bring home for study lesson is my boyfriend or not, the girls I hang out with are lesbians or of good conduct worthy of hanging around or my tuition classes, where I travel alone in the afternoon is worth giving a shot because girls often run away given such opportunities- right?
Phew, nevertheless one thing’s for sure this generation The GenZ and late Millennials (the term I take the liberty to coin referring to the people in their early twenties right now) have some advantages.
With the internet on the go and some influence and a strong opinionated voice, it is not easy to squash their will and beat them down.
Let’s remember few things as we are on the brink of being parents or adult Adults!
- Do not judge anyone based on color, body size, dressing sense, etc. Everyone has their style and why not. It’s fun to watch them carry themselves.
- The generation today is sensitive. They know about topics like harassment, sexuality, drug abuse, etc so rather than dodging them, educate them if they come to you with their queries.
- A lot of people are struggling with their gender identity, waiting to come out, gain acceptance, or just admit to themselves. Understand them. Just because you had things black and white doesn’t necessarily limit their spectrum.
- They have a variety of career options, don’t forcibly cast them in pre-set molds that have been going on for ages.
- Focus more on character building and morality than just gaining marks. Growth has to be holistic.
- Educate and broaden horizons. There is no point in passing down the baton of adages that are rather rudimentary and bear no significance in today’s world.
- Keep up with the pace of the world. Stay updated. It’s okay to be old school, but there’s nothing wrong with moving as the world moves.
With the current environment and pandemic curbing day-to-day lives, a lot of teenagers are already leading stressful life. Teenagers today are the adults of tomorrow.
So if we cannot give them a playful, cheerful, and shiny childhood, let’s at least be empathetic and supportive so that they become better versions of themselves in the future.
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