If you happen to live in big cities like Lagos, Abuja or Enugu, you’d probably have come across teenagers who are bigger than their age. Some of them are simply just so big you would almost be tempted to think they are actually really grown. You see, a female friend of mine once recalled the biggest mistake of her life- dating a small boy of fifteen who was so physically matured you’d be deceived too! He would act around like a big boy and she was completely taken by him. And the one day she had gone to his house and realized her sweet bobo was still eating mummy thank you…
Well that’s just to paint a picture of what currently obtains. And trust me, if small boys too can easily deceive people into thinking they are grown, imagine the small girls! They all look so grown up and act as though they know it all; ready to face the world. But then how can they possibly expect to handle the responsibilities of adulthood when most of these teenagers do not really understand the first thing about responsibility? It boggles my mind when I see young people acting as though they know it all. Now do not get me wrong; it’s important to be important and to always assert independence whenever possible. Yet, it is needful never to overdo this all the same.
But then it seems these young ones can’t help themselves. Perhaps this is all part of the growing up experience; youthful exuberance! Agreed, teenagers are naturally snobbish and insulting. But these, everything seems to be getting out of hands; probably due to these young ones thinking they know it all. Common courtesies such as please, thank you, and excuse me don’t seem to exist anymore. But then here is the truth- disrespecting people who are older than you is definitely not the best way to grow up. Instead, proper respect for elders is a life lesson which every teenager is required to imbibe and practice. So do not be fooled into thinking you are smart just because you can easily and effortlessly insult those who are older than you.
Moving on then, inasmuch as it is important that teenagers demonstrate eagerness to embrace adulthood, it is also of uttermost importance for them to learn to first embrace their childhood and enjoy same. As it is often said, there’s time for everything. And being a teenager happens once in lifetime. If you grow up faster than your time, you’d miss out on so many important teenage experiences which everyone is entitled to. Do not deny yourself of life experiences, please! Girls should learn to be girls. And this wisdom applies to boys too. It’s understandable that puberty can often come along with an immense desire to be independent. But there’s really no need to go rushing through life. Therefore, take your time and grow up well.
