This is one of my all-time favourite books on adolescence. I HIGHLY recomnend it to all parents as their children enter, or are already in, adolescence.
Robert Epstein in Teen 2.0 argues adolescence is an unnecessary period and that Western teens are isolated from the natural transition from childhood to adulthood. Similar to my research and the literature, Teen 2.0 highlights WE (Western culture ideas) are the problem, infantilizing our youth. We need to give our children authority and responsibility as soon as they demonstrate capability!
Part of the book that was really curious for me, was the section on laws and policies. Epstein argues current laws and policies are problematic for youth: working, driving, voting laws, etc. My teens experienced this. They were ready to work by 10-11 years old and could not work due to labour laws. This happened in other families I know as well, and what I observed when teens wanted to work but could not, was period of a couple years until they could work, of aimlessness. This aimlessness allowed storm and stress internalizing and externalizing (described in a post above) to take hold.
From my research and experience both professionally and personally, it appears early adolescents come to see how they are valued by our society (as too young, worthless, useless), despite their abilities and motivation, give up, and sink into what is expected of them. What else do you do when you are motivated, smart, and ready, and someone tells you you’re not?
Our teens are highly capable. Epstein highlights this and like the literature, gives us ideas for what can be done to re-frame or even eradicate adolescence.
