One of my young nephew is quite excited these days as he will be casting his first vote in the upcoming general election. The age for casting vote is fixed at 18 years in India. However many people are in favor of changing this age limit to 21 years. It is presumed that an individuals at the age of 18 are considered mature and responsible enough to make informed decisions about the political future of their country. But casting a vote does really made a person matured? In India, even a person committing any crime and not attained the age of 18 years were considered juvenile. As far as my nephew ans I know him, he is still far away from being called matured, although he attained adulthood.
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A person reaches to the level of adolsensce too soon than expected. But calling them matured is subject to their activity and behaviour. Adolescence is a unique stage of human development that takes place between the ages of 10 and 19. It is a time when adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. They explore their new identity, form relationships, and develop their sense of independence. They also negotiate puberty, develop new cognitive skills, and develop a clearer sense of personal and sexual identity. It's also a time when personal relationships and settings change, as peers and romantic partners become more central on attaining adulthood.
Traditional touch
In ancient time, the Janeu or Yajnopavit Sanskar in Hinduism is usually performed before reaching the age adolescence. This ritual takes place between the ages of 8 and 16, although some people get it done even before marriage. The Janeu Sanskar, or Upanayanam, is a Hindu rite of passage that marks the transition of a child into adolescence and the beginning of their spiritual studies. The Janeu ceremony is believed to help children develop moral values, pursue knowledge, and gain discipline. The ceremony helps young men understand their responsibilities.
Wisdom is the reward of age and maturity
This may put us in a situation, where it will difficult to differentiate between an adult and a matured. A person may be biologically an adult but still be treated as a child if they are under the legal age of majority. On the other hand, a person may legally be an adult but lack the maturity and responsibility that defines an adult. Some say that early adolescence can cause a separation from childhood as young people start caring less about what used to matter most. They may care less about what they loved to do as children, spending time with parents, school performance, and social obedience.
Parental role
This is the time, when Parents can pitch in to help their children into the transition phase of adolescence. It is a time of significant development, involving rapid physical, and emotional growth. A parent can help by being a guiding force and role modeling. Respecting their child's need for more privacy, and taking practical steps to support their child through bodily growth.
On the contrary, #Maturity is the ability to responsibly handle all aspects of life, including work, relationships, money, and possessions. Some say that life experiences, such as living alone, working, socializing, dating, and being open minded and adaptable, can help a person mature. So in my nephew case, he is still not matured although he is in adulting phase. Maturity is accepting the reality of life with grace.
In a nutshell, we can not put adulting and maturity in a same pool. Both have their own significance and role in an individual life. It is important to treat them accordingly.
