I was recently talking to my friends parents about religion, love, and other todays issues such as drugs and what not. But as soon as I started discussing this with them thy just interupted me as if it was no big deal. I am 14 and probably one of the most educated people of my age. I mean some teens are out there smoking pot while I spend days doing extra-ciriculars and extra studys. I mostly think that because of the way that the mass of teens act and choose to live is what influences adults responces and conclusions to teens behavior. But that doesnt mean that our thoughts and opinions shouldn't be respected just like everyone elses. Maybe we don't have as much athority in things as we would like, but sooner or later we will. We dont all learn things just because of our parents. Teens, just as much as anyone else, are their own individual-thinking organs. We do know things weither we choose to apply that knowledge or not... so tell me why do most adults think we know nothing?????????
Why do most adults think that Teens know nothing nowadays???
First of all, Adults as a whole are not much smarter than Teenagers as a whole. Unfortunately society tends to lump people of a certain age range into these two groups. Then they say that the Adults are smarter because "wisdom comes with age." This is not necessarily true. Wisdom comes with experience. The irony of this is that most parents (or Adults) do not allow their children to have the experiences needed to gain wisdom for fear of what may happen to them. So instead of giving the child the teachings that they need in order to succeed in life and overcome the obstacles that may come into his or her path, they hide the child away from the hazardous world. That child then grows up to become a non-too-wise adult and raises a child. That child is then labeled a reckless teen. For some reason, it hasn't occurred to many people that if you instill values in your children and help them to build character, you won't have to worry about hiding them from the world.
But because society so loves to generalize, all Teens (those who have been raised well and those who have not) are lumped together. Due to a myriad of factors (overprotective parents, parent who don't care, missing parents) it seems that the number of valueless Teens outweighs the number of Teens who have a sense of direction within their lives. In my opinion, this is the reason why Teens as a whole are looked down upon in society and why their opinion does not seem to count.
Reply:The same reason teens think parents don't know anything either. I happen to have a husband who is 15 years older than I, and we have the same problem. He thinks I'm lacking life experiences, and I know that he is.
Reply:It's not that Teens know nothing, it's just that you're lacking in life experience. I'm sure there are lots of things that you know better than us and our generation (I'm a mother to 2 teens ) BUT there is still the bit about lack of judgment based on the fact that you are still not adults and still have a lot to learn. I know that I see things a lot differently now than I did at 14.
You sound a lot like my 14 year old daughter. She's also into a lot of stuff like you, and smart, but still has a lot of growing up to do. For the sake of God, enjoy this time you have now, you only get to be young once, and then you spend the rest of your life looking back at it!
Reply:i'll be honest I don't think most adults feel that way. I mean maybe is was just the onesI was brought up with. The adults I knew when I was a teen (which it wasn't that long ago, I'm only 23). I use to have conversations with my friends' parents about all different topics: politics, drugs, love, religion, etc. My parents were probably the most open to new ideas, even if it came from a teenager. I can see where some people come from, but maybe you should just turn to another adult to have an intelligent dicussion.
Reply:They remember feeling like you and then finding out that our brains were flushed with hormones and we did not think sensible.
You;ll know what I mean in a few years.
I know that this is not what you wanted to hear.
Reply:they think that just cuz theyve been on this planet longer, they know more
Reply:I had the same problem when I was younger. Adults can be ignorant and act like no one's opinion or thoughts matter even with other adults. I'm not that way with anyone - it's really more of a personality issue than adult vs. teen.
Reply:I should first tell you that I am 43. Just so you know where I am coming from. While I believe parents do not give their children enough credit, nor do children give their parents enough credit. Having said that.....
Your (and those of you generation's) thoughts are totally valid. And I place great value on that. But, at 14, your wisdom is still under construction, as is mine. I certainly don't think teens know nothing, teens these days, in fact, know way more than teens did in my younger years. But there are those adults who dismiss younger ideas more readily than others. This is why teens rebel. They feel bereft of support or acknowledgement. When I listen to questions or problems here from a teen, my stance is to give them the benefit of my years and experiences. But I always keep the dialogue open. You should as well. If an lder person totally shuts you down, then take it with a grain of salt. Don't totally dismiss it, but take it for what it is. They are putting up a wall. Just as you are here. The scenario being, "I know better because I'm older."
response, "You're not listening to me." This is just emotional escalation.
I know teens (and adults, for that matter) will do what they want. And lessons will be learned from these actions. In many cases, I think adults just don't want the yunger generation to make the same mistakes they did. But, maybe some of these mistakes should be inevitable, so learning is possible.
You say, "nowadays." This very question and scenario goes back for millennia. At 14, I thought the very same thing. I hope I didn't sound too esoteric and helped a little.
Reply:Why are you so judgemental of adults? At the same time you are absolutely correct pertaining to your view that having the knowledge does not mean anything until you apply it.
Reply:I don't think that way about teens. It's when teens think they do "know-it-all", then there's a problem.
Reply:Hi, when I was your age I went through the same thing you are going through. It's not happening now a days. It's been like this for many generations. It is a way of life, nature. Parents and adults are not doing anything on purpose. It is hard to explain as in the sense that you have not experienced what they are going through. I understand now what my parents went through only now. I am their age now so I can see where they are coming from and why they behave the way they do, but I am not saying it is right. I think it is important for you to be very patient and tolerant with them in how they behave as you will get their attention more. YOu need to be very confident and understanding to get your message ahead. It does sound that you are very mature for your age. You may also try, to discuss it with them when they are calm and for the appropriate time to have a heart to heart., to let them know that they are putting you into the same basket as other 14 yr olds. YOu need to help them see how they are not giving you the benifet of the doubt that you are capable. You also need to give them respect that they too have many years of experience as they are older and have been around longer than you so it is natural for them to know more, unfortunately for you......can you see where I am coming from? Always try to believe in yourself and others that way you can take charge of how and what you think and therefore won't get too worked up and frustrated. I know where your at as I had many heated moments when I was your age. I just felt that no one really understood. Good luck and best wishes always.
Reply:Adults have more experience in life than teens. They are not saying that we dont know anything, but they are saying that as we get older there are many things that we will experience and learn and gain knowledge of in the future.
Reply:Honey, I'm glad you said most adults. I think that the majority of people learn from books but also from experience. There are adults that think they know everything. There are adults that won't be shown up by a kid. These adults have low self esteem and no self confidence. There are adults that think kids your age don't know anything. Granted maybe you don't know as much as we do because you haven't had as many experiences as we have but that doesn't mean you don't know anything either. We've lived longer and therefore have had more years in school and like I said experiences too. You also have an opinion and are entitled to it. But like I tell my kids, just because they have an opinion doesn't mean they always have to share it. Sometimes it is a good thing to just listen and learn. You might even learn that the person you looked up to doesn't know as much as you thought they did LOL I think the way a person expresses their thoughts and opinions are very important and can actually turn someone off or on for that matter. If a person, adult or let's 14 yrs. old talks in circles or takes forever to get to the point, it is a major turn off.
Reply:You're right, your opinion should be respected, and I applaud you for trying to be informed and studying. It will serve you well in your life.
But just realize that there are some things that you can only learn through life experience and maturity. It's hard for people to listen to a voice that makes assumptions based on their lack of experience. They should still respect you, but you should also respect them. You'll be amazed what you'll realize with time.
This is why we respect our elders - we respect their knowledge and experience.
EDIT: I just want to add that you should be very proud of yourself. You speak (well, type) very clearly and intelligently, and use correct grammar and spelling. I'm amazed at how many people your age and older don't or can't do that! You have my respect for that :-)
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