When does a kid become a grownup?

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "justcarol67" <justcarol67 at ...> wrote:
>
...

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> Carol responds:
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> I know the history and the logic ... But, as I said, I'm not interested in the legal aspects. I'm interested in emotional maturity ...
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> Thanks,
> Carol
>

Steve:

I'm not sure you can separate the two. The Law is societies collective opinion on the very question you asked. 

We have collectively, though the law, agree that people who are 18 can enter into contracts and join the Army. People who are 21 can drink, although the entire world doesn't agree with that position. In fact, the entire USA doesn't agree with that position, but the Federal government blackmail the states into compliance. If the law were changed and it was left up to the states, as it should be, many states would lower the age back down to 19. 

The age of sexual consent is typically 16. We would prefer that kids that young did not engage in sex, but we accept that they will, and have deemed this the minimum age to make that decision; with a few exceptions. Again, not all states and countries agree with this age. 

In Minnesota, there is no specific age of consent, but rather a range of complex rules for Criminal Sexual Conduct. And I do mean complicated. Though I have read them, this is just from memory. I believe kids as young as 12 can have sex, but only with people of similar ages. For example, 12 and 13 can, 12 or 13 and 14 can not. Fourteen and 15 can, but 15 and 16 can not. Sixteen and 17 can, but 17 and 18 can not. Above 18, you are on your own, however, there are still circumstances where a large age differential, especially for people in positions of authority, can not. Or can not with incurring legal consequences. 

So, society and societies, lay out a framework. Not every one fits that framework. Some kids have long been mature enough to accept the actions and responsibilities, and other kids of the same age are years from that level of maturity. 

Again, the law lays a framework for society. Some of that framework is based on age, other aspects are based on 'special interest'. The anti-drinking law was forced in by Mother Against Drunk Drivers. But, rather than teach their kids to drink responsibly, they thought is better to change the law, that way, they didn't have to face their kids. 

Again, kids will milk it for as long as the can and for as long as we allow it. But, when it is force upon them, truly forced upon them, they pick it up pretty quickly. 

Steve/bboyminn