Age threads

[palavra]

There are a number of threads on DIS right now about the appropriate age for certain things. For the life of me, I really don't get why we have to attach and age to something and assume that everyone of that age is the same. People do grow and mature at different rates with ages just being guidelines or averages. So, what is the big deal about chronological age?

 

[C.Ann]

There are a number of threads on DIS right now about the appropriate age for certain things. For the life of me, I really don't get why we have to attach and age to something and assume that everyone of that age is the same. People do grow and mature at different rates with ages just being guidelines or averages. So, what is the big deal about chronological age?

Got me.. I feel the same way.. Kids "too old" for trick or treating; kids "too old" for birthday parties; girls "too old" to play with dolls; women "too old" to have a baby; men "too old" to drive a certain type of car; women "too old" to have long hair; kids "too old" to enjoy the spirit of Christmas to the max; kids "too young" to enjoy Disney World; etc...

I think it's sad that everyone - kids and adults alike - are expected to live their lives according to the age guidelines of what others find appropriate.. Life was meant to be enjoyed - and yes, even "fun" - regardless of ones "age".. My own personal opinion is that there are a lot of people who would be much, much happier if they lived their lives according to their own wishes and desires - rather than allowing themselves to be measured by someone elses yard stick..

We only get one shot at life, so why not make it as much fun as possible?

 

[tvguy]

Probably one reason is our population is aging. The average baby boomer, the largest generation currently alive, passed over 47 last year. Out, things for people age 18 to 49, in, things for people 49 to deceased.

It is one of the biggest issues facing our country. How do you provide Social Security, Medicare, or even have enough Doctors and care facilities to deal with the needs of an aging nation?

Big issue coming up here in California right now is whether public sector workers should be able to draw retirement benefits at age 50, or should they be required to work until 65?

 

[AustinTink]

Got me.. I feel the same way.. Kids "too old" for trick or treating; kids "too old" for birthday parties; girls "too old" to play with dolls; women "too old" to have a baby; men "too old" to drive a certain type of car; women "too old" to have long hair; kids "too old" to enjoy the spirit of Christmas to the max; kids "too young" to enjoy Disney World; etc...

I think it's sad that everyone - kids and adults alike - are expected to live their lives according to the age guidelines of what others find appropriate.. Life was meant to be enjoyed - and yes, even "fun" - regardless of ones "age".. My own personal opinion is that there are a lot of people who would be much, much happier if they lived their lives according to their own wishes and desires - rather than allowing themselves to be measured by someone elses yard stick..

We only get one shot at life, so why not make it as much fun as possible?

C. Ann, once again you have penned the perfect response.

Signed,

The long-haired, birthday party lovin', Santa believin', trick-or-treating, doll playing, sports car riding AustinTink

 

[redlight]

Thank you OP!

 

[EeyoreEma]

Got me.. I feel the same way.. Kids "too old" for trick or treating; kids "too old" for birthday parties; girls "too old" to play with dolls; women "too old" to have a baby; men "too old" to drive a certain type of car; women "too old" to have long hair; kids "too old" to enjoy the spirit of Christmas to the max; kids "too young" to enjoy Disney World; etc...

I think it's sad that everyone - kids and adults alike - are expected to live their lives according to the age guidelines of what others find appropriate.. Life was meant to be enjoyed - and yes, even "fun" - regardless of ones "age".. My own personal opinion is that there are a lot of people who would be much, much happier if they lived their lives according to their own wishes and desires - rather than allowing themselves to be measured by someone elses yard stick..

We only get one shot at life, so why not make it as much fun as possible?

This! You are so right.

 

[LisaR]

There are a number of threads on DIS right now about the appropriate age for certain things. For the life of me, I really don't get why we have to attach and age to something and assume that everyone of that age is the same. People do grow and mature at different rates with ages just being guidelines or averages. So, what is the big deal about chronological age?

And what boggles my brain are the people that assign an age for something long before their child is that age. They decide when their kid is 2 that they can't date until they are 16, wear makeup until they are 14, stay home alone until they are 13, etc. How can you possibly decide these things when your kids are little and you don't have a clue what their maturity level will be?

My kids are like night and day. They get to do things when they show me they are mature enough to do them. Age is totally irrelevant.

 

[quasar4legs]

I agree, I've never understood why we organize education based on age

 

[Cinderella94]

And what boggles my brain are the people that assign an age for something long before their child is that age. They decide when their kid is 2 that they can't date until they are 16, wear makeup until they are 14, stay home alone until they are 13, etc. How can you possibly decide these things when your kids are little and you don't have a clue what their maturity level will be?

My kids are like night and day. They get to do things when they show me they are mature enough to do them. Age is totally irrelevant.

 

[NHdisneylover]

And what boggles my brain are the people that assign an age for something long before their child is that age. They decide when their kid is 2 that they can't date until they are 16, wear makeup until they are 14, stay home alone until they are 13, etc. How can you possibly decide these things when your kids are little and you don't have a clue what their maturity level will be?

My kids are like night and day. They get to do things when they show me they are mature enough to do them. Age is totally irrelevant.

Oh I completely agree with the OP--and with this. I realize that for a few things to work in society at large you have to just pick an age that seems to work for the majority and go with it (voting, driving, etc) but why you would want to add to that with your own personal set of age limits--instead of knowing your child (or yourself) is beyond me.

 

[Foxhound3857]

My sister is 21 and STILL does trick or treating, and I think it's awesome. I can understand why some people think that they're "too old" to participate in it though. It's hard feeling comfortable when there's a lot of kids and few adults taking part, not to mention the odd looks you get.

The only one that really irks me though is people who think they're too old for Disney, especially when it comes to animated movies. Disney caters to everyone; it's not a kids-only medium. I'm 22 years old, I love football, I'm a heavy drinker/gambler when I go to vegas, I'm in college, and I still love Disney.

 

[Lassie Lynne]

Chronological age is just mother nature trying to keep me honest when I celebrate my 29th birthday....again....and again....and again...... well heck, I would be happy just celebrating 39 again

Seriously, age is relative and it not really a good way of keeping score in life.

 

[golfgal]

I agree, especially with kids. When you start stating things like "you can't wear makeup until you are 14" when they are 2 you have just backed yourself into a corner with no out. With parenting, things should be taken case by case.

 

[nmmom95]

And what boggles my brain are the people that assign an age for something long before their child is that age. They decide when their kid is 2 that they can't date until they are 16, wear makeup until they are 14, stay home alone until they are 13, etc. How can you possibly decide these things when your kids are little and you don't have a clue what their maturity level will be?

My kids are like night and day. They get to do things when they show me they are mature enough to do them. Age is totally irrelevant.

My kids are also very different. This is how we handle things, as well.

 

[hulagirl87]

I hate how age is tied with things! I'm 35 but don't feel like it at all. I still read teen and kid books and am certainly not ashamed of it. I like to color and obviously love Disney! I'm proud of who I am and am excited to have DD to share my "youngness" with. Plus I'm lucky to have found DH who is as young at heart as I am.

OP thanks for starting this post. I agree with you completely.

 

[DisneyScraps]

I think it depends on the kid. I tend to do things with my DD as she needs or wants them not because of her age.

I WISH my town would get that, they have an ordinance that says she can't trick or treat after age 13. I don's see them arresting kids over this but it kind of makes me sad that it's going to end in 3 years for her.

Lisa

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Got me.. I feel the same way.. Kids "too old" for trick or treating; kids "too old" for birthday parties; girls "too old" to play with dolls; women "too old" to have a baby; men "too old" to drive a certain type of car; women "too old" to have long hair; kids "too old" to enjoy the spirit of Christmas to the max; kids "too young" to enjoy Disney World; etc...

I think it's sad that everyone - kids and adults alike - are expected to live their lives according to the age guidelines of what others find appropriate.. Life was meant to be enjoyed - and yes, even "fun" - regardless of ones "age".. My own personal opinion is that there are a lot of people who would be much, much happier if they lived their lives according to their own wishes and desires - rather than allowing themselves to be measured by someone elses yard stick..

We only get one shot at life, so why not make it as much fun as possible?

I've been struggling with this lately, I just hit a "milestone" birthday and I'm trying to live by others' yardsticks and all it's done is made me frumpy and miserable. Thank you.

 

[Robinrs]

When I was younger I thought age was just a number but now that I have lived thru a few generations I do find that some characteristics do fit certain age groups, but never ALL.

I believe that life experience is way more relevant than age. Sometimes I prefer to be around like minds because I don't want to relive my past or can't relate at all. Maybe I don't want to hear about pregnancy or toddler's tantrums. Been there, done that,moving on.

Age may not matter that much to us personally but there is a reason why the law sees it as a determinator, also. Certain ages are excused from litigation because of varying reasons, mainly because they cannot make a contract. But they still consider 18 yo adults.... which still totally confounds me.

 

[golfgal]

I do think that there are certain "ages" that do apply for things, like 50 year old women should not dress like a 16 year old

 

[luvmy3]

Because there are things that are either appropriate or inappropriate depending on your age.