Are kids much older these days compared to when we were that age?

My daughter is 28 and she was more mature at 16 than I was at her present age.

It's a shame that some kids have to become the parent. I have a grandson who never met the grade, with his dad. As hard as he tried, Dad was never satisfied. I was surprised, when he actually finished high school! Parents need their butt kicked, for not encouraging their kids!

I think a lot of young kids have to grow up faster than their peers, but I don't think that's entirely a bad thing. Look at all the lazy kids that have everything handed to them, even cars for high school, then are total failures in the college or job market because they don't know how to do anything for themselves. I think your grandson must have a very fine mother who loves him very much for him to have that can-do attitude. Good job, mom and grandma! When my dad was a boy in first grade he did farm work before school and helped on the farm and with his younger siblings when he got home. As he got older he was given more responsibilities. There wasn't much "childhood" back then. Growing up, I remember my older sister taking care of me sometimes and sometimes my older brother. They learned to cook and clean when they were in 4-5th grade because that's how things were done in the 50s and 60s. By the time they got on their own they knew how to take care of a house, how to budget their money, how to get credit, how to shop, etc. Something went wrong in the 70s and 80s, though, for a lot of kids. So I think your grandson is right where he should be. He'll be a fine, happy adult!

I think it's a bit sad if a boy of 17 is weighed down by chores and responsibilities. I understand that It's difficult for your daughter, but if he can't enjoy himself at 17, when will he be able to?

He sounds quite a responsible young man. Some grow up a lot quicker than others.

They have a much more mature attitude these days than we used to. 15 year olds show up with their coffee and smartphones in barely any clothes looking like they are headed out to the club rather than to school. It is disgraceful but very common.

I think that young people are taller these days. Today I saw this young man that was about two feet taller than me. I'm 5ft 7 in.

He sounds like a very responsible young man.

i'm glad he's going in the right direction. others end up not caring, or just wasting time with friends or doing stuff they shouldn't.

yes to your question.

Sadly, some kids have to grow up and be the responsible one, years before they should need to. But it's not always a bad thing. Like for your grandson, it sounds like it may be the best thing for him as he is enjoying cooking and wants to go to school for it.

I think it depends on the kids. It sounds like he's had to pick up some of the responsibilities around the house since his mother is working so much and his father isn't around, so he's had to mature quickly. I've noticed that my stepchildren are this way a bit since they've had to take care of themselves for years (their mother was irresponsible and largely absent, which is part of why they're with us now).

Many are very mature beyond their years as your grandson seems to be. And physically their appearance is more mature in my view. I see many working the checkout counter in the grocery stores I shop at.

Some of kids these days are more productive

Your grandson seems a responsible young man. Kids now a days are more intelligent and responsible that what we were when we were their age. And they know what they want to do in life.

Today's children are certainly much mature than what we were at that specific age.

kids seem much less innocent these days - there is too much conditioning for the future starting too early in life

Your grandson sounds like a very responsible young man!

He sounds like a responsible young man.

Good in a way he has matured more than his age. I know few are forever teenagers! My son is almost 27 but at times we think he is still a toddler. Parents have a "right" to worry about their children whether they are six or sixty! siva