do you think 17 year olds ar adults

[leah8001996]

do you class 17 year olds as adult. I do as a 17 year old can do many adult things and has also finished puberty.

[cory]

If they behave like adults. I think of my 16yo more or less as an adult, because that is how she behaves.

[nenevomito]

Nope - not an adult. 18 is the legal age, but its a lot different than being mature.

[lovesmileandlaugh]

For me, adulthood is when you become self-sufficient! You look after yourself, pay your own way and don't expect your parents to support you financially or practically. I've known 16 year olds who have become adults, many are much older!

[marriedinwhiteagain]

From the perspective of a mum with a 15 year old and an 18 year old I would say that there is huge variation in maturity. Legally 18 is the point at which one becomes an "adult" and can do things without the permission of a parent.

Practically there is a huge difference between our son at 17 and now at 18. Our dd is very mature in some ways but quite naive in others.

I think 17 year olds are young adults who have a lot to learn practically, emotionally and intellectually. They have the capacity to become very sensible, mature, capable adults but still need a lot of gentle guidance in order to do that successfully. The more mature a person, the more they will anticipate danger and realise their limitations.

Are you having a problem with your mum at the moment OP? Are you OK?

[lljkk]

Not adult, but I hate anyone over 12 being called "a child". That makes me want to scream. There is a transition phase.

[musicposy]

I have a 17 year old. She is well on the way to adulthood and as such I feel that lots of decisions about her life are hers.
She has partly earned me feeling this way as she holds down a job - full time over the summer-, has a responsible attitude to her education, finances all her social activities and her ballet, and pulls her weight with the housework at home.
However, she's not legally an adult until next year (also a 1996) and even then she has a lot to learn, particularly about how tough it is to finance yourself through life. I still give her guidance and support, which I suspect she will need for a good few years to come.
I would also not be scared to put my foot down and insist she did or didn't do something if I thought she was in any danger or doing something very irresponsible or stupid.

[BrawToken]

If a 17 year old behaves like an adult, taking responsibility for their own washing, cooking, spending, bills, earning then yes. Otherwise they are treated how they act... My 15 year old is quite adult.

[BOF]

I distinctly remember at 14 arguing that I should be allowed to go youth hosteling with my bes friend because we weren't "going to get more mature than we already are" .

Frankly, I've matured immeasurably between even my early thirties and now (approaching 40).

I have a 17 year old daughter, and I give her lots of independence and freedom, as she is learning how to deal with it. I still don't see her as an adult though.

[Kerryblue]

yawn.........

[secondchances]

No. Legally 18 is an adult. Legally you shouldn't be doing things an adult can before the age of an adult.

[Turniptwirl]

I think the difference between childhood and adulthood is that children (teenagers) think they're are grown up and know everything but adults feel young and accept there is loads they don't know.

[Madratlady]

From your posts you sound quite immature to be honest.

[BreadNameBread]

Leah, I guess from the 1996 in your name that you are 16/17.

What's with the questions. TBH it makes you sound a bit childish.

[Sparklingbrook]

there should be a test I think OldLady. With an 'adult' certificate if they pass.

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

Sparklingbrook, you are so right. Sadly, the line has been drawn by law, and it's 18. Not 16, like Leah, or even 17.

[Sparklingbrook]

Sorry 3. Just spotted another.....

[Sparklingbrook]

Mmm there are 2 threads about 17 year olds now leah. What's with all the questions?

[Theas18]

what is the agenda here op?

[mrscumberbatch]

No. I thought I was an adult at 17 but really really wasn't.

I think if you have to ask if 17 is an adult, then you are probably not an adult.

[Ra88]

no

[LooplaLoopy]

No. I struggle to see 20 year olds as adults too, to be honest.

[MrsGSR]

Legally no, 18 is an adult.

I know some people who are in their mid 20s and are still very immature, equally my younger sister is 18 and more mature than a lot of people my age. But in general 17 year olds are not adults.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

No.

[Inncogneetow]

Many 16 yr olds think they are adults; but they (not all, but most) have no idea about budgeting and finance and being financially independent from their parents.

This is a crucial part of being an adult, imo.

[Sparklingbrook]

Some of DS1's friends look as if they have finished puberty at 14, but only in looks.