Why Do Kids Have Funny Misconceptions About Adulthood?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around misconceptions children have about adulthood, exploring various beliefs and assumptions that are often proven incorrect as one grows older. Participants share personal anecdotes and humorous reflections on their childhood thoughts regarding independence, responsibilities, and the realities of adult life.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recall believing that adults do not have bedtimes, while others express that they do, particularly due to work or responsibilities.
  • Many contributors mention the misconception that being independent and on one's own is entirely positive, with some noting the challenges that come with it, such as bills and maintenance.
  • Driving is discussed as a fun activity, yet some participants share that it can also be burdensome.
  • Turning 18 is often viewed as a marker of adulthood, though some participants reflect on the reality that maturity is not guaranteed at that age.
  • There are humorous claims about the freedom of eating whatever one wants as an adult, with some expressing that this leads to negative consequences.
  • Several participants share misconceptions about work being better than school, with some later realizing that work can be quite demanding.
  • Various humorous and whimsical beliefs from childhood are shared, such as the idea that money grows on trees or that ghosts are real.
  • Some participants reflect on their childhood views of authority figures, like parents and bosses, believing they know everything or are always right.
  • There are shared experiences about the challenges of shaving and the belief that it would be enjoyable, which many participants later found to be untrue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a range of personal experiences and beliefs, but there is no consensus on the accuracy of these childhood misconceptions. Many viewpoints remain contested, with some participants agreeing on certain points while others provide counterexamples or differing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some claims are based on personal anecdotes and may not reflect broader experiences. The discussion includes a mix of serious reflections and lighthearted humor, with varying degrees of seriousness regarding the misconceptions shared.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those reflecting on childhood beliefs about adulthood, educators exploring misconceptions in youth, or anyone interested in the humorous aspects of growing up.

  • #31
I never enjoyed shaving. I certainly don't miss it.
 
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  • #32
Astronuc said:
I never enjoyed shaving. I certainly don't miss it.

I have to shave every day for work... It sucks mostly because I have pretty sensitive skin... so it burns like a mother f------. Sucks.
 
  • #33
68.) I would have it made if I made $25,000 per year.
 
  • #34
66) (or 67, I'm so confused) Counting is so easy that a person can even do it backwards.
 
  • #35
TheStatutoryApe said:
Adults actually don't have bed times.

You must still be somewhat young. I remember when I was in my early 20's and I told my boyfriend that I would know I was ready to settle down and get married when I had a bed time...because I'd be too old to go out partying all night to find new people to date.

Lately, I've had a very early bedtime. I can't keep myself awake past 9 PM most nights, 11 PM at the very latest. My young students are sapping the energy out of me!

Edit: And if it wasn't so close to my bedtime, I'd have noticed there were two more pages of this thread before bothering to reply to something at the beginning of the first page. :redface:
 
  • #36
65?) If a person of clearly superior intelligence posts their opinions anonymously on the internet, the world will be awed and immediately elect them to be world dictator.
 
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  • #37
The real 65) When my generation finally starts running things, we'll have an end to wars, bigotry, and sexism.
 
  • #38
Redbelly98 said:
The real 65) When my generation finally starts running things, we'll have an end to wars, bigotry, and sexism.

Make it so, RB. You have the PF warriors behind you! :devil:

Oops :redface:
 
  • #39
Redbelly98 said:
The real 65) When my generation finally starts running things, we'll have an end to wars, bigotry, and sexism.

Actually when I was younger I thought much along the same lines... mostly to do with famine though... I never understood why it's necessary for me to go to a grocery store and see enough food to last me a year but some people in the world wake up wondering if there will be enough food for that day
 
  • #40
Sorry! said:
Actually when I was younger I thought much along the same lines... mostly to do with famine though... I never understood why it's necessary for me to go to a grocery store and see enough food to last me a year but some people in the world wake up wondering if there will be enough food for that day

Along those lines...

64) If I eat less, a child in Africa will have a meal.
63) Not paying a bill means your future is over.
62) Life can't go on without your friends. (Hell, I couldn't believe how quickly I got over not talking to some of my best friends from high school when the time came to move on)
 
  • #41
BobG said:
65?) If a person of clearly superior intelligence posts their opinions anonymously on the internet, the world will be awed and immediately elect them to be world dictator.

Haha...right, like Ender's Game!
 
  • #42
junglebeast said:
Haha...right, like Ender's Game!

I know! As a kid I always planned that my night job when I grew up would be writing deep and meaningful essays and posting it online like Valentine and Peter did, receiving fame and influence. And then blogs became commonplace. It's a good thing the world isn't that easily manipulated.
 
  • #43
61) As being a child I tough i discovered a combination in roulette so i would always win. It was a moment in my life i though for real i will be stinky rich, had dollar bills in my eyes. Stupidity can sometimes be a blessedness.

60) As a child i tough people grow taller all their life. Old people must be really tall.
 
  • #44
59.
100$ is no better than 1$...you can buy an icecream with the later!

- wise child :biggrin:
 
  • #45
whoever said driving is fun don't know what its like to drive from city to cities... I don't drive (not old enough) but it really is boring watching your dad get bored driving from calgary to jasper...
 
  • #46
shredder666 said:
whoever said driving is fun don't know what its like to drive from city to cities... I don't drive (not old enough) but it really is boring watching your dad get bored driving from calgary to jasper...

Driving is fun! He just needs to drive in more exciting places.



 
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  • #47
58) Only a doofus would buy a car based primarily on the comfort of the seats. A car must be able to smoke the tires, be really loud, and look really cool.
 
  • #48
57) Who else would actually look forward to, and like commercials - - - things that are trying to get us to do what we don't want to do.

KM
 
  • #49
Pengwuino said:
64) If I eat less, a child in Africa will have a meal.

I remember as a child, having my mother use that argument on me, when I was balking at eating something.

I simply suggested that she wrap it up and send it to them.

KM
 
  • #50
Kenneth Mann said:
I remember as a child, having my mother use that argument on me, when I was balking at eating something.

She knew you didn't want the African kid to eat it, and used that argument to make you eat it? :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
 
  • #51
56. I heard a young man say this one day. "It's not wrong but this will make it right."

Matt
 
  • #52
55. If my parents don't have $150,000 stored away for me for college, I can't go.
54. All adults are mature, responsible people worthy of respect.
53. Toilets create their own water.
 
  • #53
52. The nicest person would make the best teacher, boss, or president.
 
  • #54
51. Because I'm in a higher grade than you, I'm better, smarter, faster, stronger and you should listen to me when we make group decisions about where to play hide and seek.
 
  • #55
50. Kids think that way vacuums work is the dirt goes through the cord, and into the wall.
 
  • #56
lisab said:
50. Kids think that way vacuums work is the dirt goes through the cord, and into the wall.

:bugeye: you mean it doesn't?
 
  • #57
Number 50, we're halfway there. Woohoo!
 
  • #58
49. Uncle Visa pays our debts.
 
  • #59
Pengwuino said:
Follow my lead, let's make a list of things you thought as a kid or kids think about when they imagine being older that are sooooo not true. You'll get the hang of it.

100. Adults don't have bed times.
99. Being independent and on your own is awesome
98. Driving is fun
97. Turning 18 means you're an adult.
96. Having a girlfriend/boyfriend is awesome (giggle)
95. Credit cards make you happy
94. Wrestling is not silly.

i had a million ideas earlier but i apparently dropped them from my brain. So I call on YOU PEOPLE to continue the list. GO!

Really?

I have a bedtime. I'm not interested in staying up late.
Not really independent cause you can't independently spend money anywhere without consequence.
Driving is not fun. I have a car and do not drive it.
Turning 18 only means you're an adult define by the legal system. I have met my share of 18+ that clearly do not ressemble an adult.
People have girlfriend(s)/boyfriend(s) before 18.
Credit cards bring happiness?
Wrestling is SILLY... ask your girlfriend/boyfriend.
 
  • #60
48. Parents have infinite money. So that if they don't buy you toys it mean they don't love you or they ain't your friend.

47. Deforestation in Brazil can be stopped thanks to American warplanes.
 

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