Let Kids be KIDS!

I need to vent a little... Why do parents push their children to act like adults? Why do they not let their children act like children? For the past couple of weeks I have been thinking about this subject a lot! I see all different kinds of kids and some are able to act like children would.. and some act like they are trained to be little adults! Now don't get me wrong... having children that obey their parents is a wonderful thing! I am talking about those children that have never been allowed to play dressed up, smear their mom' lipstick all over their face, finger paints, or even roll around in the dirt while playing outside. I also see teenagers in high school that almost have full time jobs. I know that everyone does not agree with this... but I feel that your children should be given an opportunity in high school to enjoy activities. But I also do believe that it is important to instill a great work ethic in your children. My parents let me enjoy high school until my senior year and then I started working only a couple times a week to build up until the summer before college where I worked full time. Let children be children! They have all the time in the world to work for money, drive around town, and take care of themselves. Parents, why are you so rushed to force your kids to grow up? I see the logic in teaching them life lessons and good work ethic, but there is certainly a healthy balance! I feel better now...