I stumbled upon an interesting article in Business Week by Newt Gingrich. He makes the case that adolescence is a concept that was invented in the 19th century to keep young kids out of sweat shops and coal mines and is now an outdated idea. He postulates that if children transitioned directly to young adulthood they would be less susceptible to falling into trouble, they would be more responsible and have greater drive for achievement.

Rather than try to summarize the argument, here’s the link:

Newt Gingrich: Let’s End Adolescence

Now I’m the first to complain that my kids are growing up too quick, but I am a realist… I understand they are going to grow up whether I like it or not. Newt’s thesis isn’t that far off what Kathy and I are already trying to do with our kids; teach responsibility, accountability, financial stewardship, impart the importance of learning, compassion, generosity.

I thought the article was pretty thought provoking.